September 2010 Update:
The contact info for the International Centre is:

Stacey Platt, International Student Development Officer
South/Davis Building, Room 3093A
905-569-4716
stacey.platt@utoronto.ca

Website: www.utm.utoronto.ca/international

International Students can face many challenges when looking for work in Canada. Despite the obstacles, obtaining employment can be a rewarding financial and personal experience.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has announced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program for international students, effective April 21, 2008, allowing eligible international students to obtain an open work permit under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, with no restrictions on the type of employment and no requirement for a job offer.

Highlights include:

• extension of the work permit length from 1-2 years to up to THREE years
• removal of the requirement that the job be related to the student's degree
• removal or the requirement that the student must first have a job offer
• removal of the requirement that the work permit be "employer specific"

Eligibility – students must:

• have studied full-time for the eight months preceding the completion of their program of studies
• have completed degree requirements and received a notification that they are eligible to obtain their degree
• still apply for the permit within 90 days of completing the requirements of their degree
• have a valid Study Permit when they apply for the Post-Graduation Work Permit

Some international students are not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Restrictions are in place for students including those:

• participating in a Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program or a Government of Canada Awards Program funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
• receiving funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and participating in a distance learning program
• who have previously been issued a post-graduation work permit after any other program of study (note: graduates who are already working with a work permit issued under the previous rules are eligible to apply for an extension)

For further information, or assistance in your search for employment, please visit the Career Centre in DV3094 or call us at 905-828-5451.

LINK - News Release: Government of Canada introduces changes to work permits for international students, making Canada more attractive for skilled individuals (April 2008)

Working On-Campus while a Student

You may work on campus at the University of Toronto without a work permit if you are engaged in full-time studies at UofT and you have a valid study permit. The University's definition of "full-time" is accepted.

Students may work for the institution or for any private business located on the campus that provides service to the institution.  See On-Campus Jobs.

Working Off-Campus while a Student

Under the new Off-Campus Work Permit Program, administered by Citizenship and Immigration Canada, international students are now permitted to apply to work off-campus while completing their studies.

In September 2008, the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration announced an on-line application system that will make it easier for foreign students to apply for off-campus work permits. This system will allow international students to apply online for an Off-Campus Work Permit, request verification of good standing from the University of Toronto, and pay for the online application. More info: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/index.asp

If you have any questions, please contact the Career Centre in DV3094 or call 905-828-5451.

LINK - News Release: Government of Canada makes it easier for international students to apply to work off-campus (September 2008)

LINK - News Release: Off-campus Work Permit Program Launched (April 2006)

What's a S.I.N.? How do I apply for one?

A Social Insurance Number (S.I.N) is needed in order to be paid to work in Canada. Once you have been offered a position, you can apply for a SIN. You will need to go to a Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) Office (this is a Government of Canada office). The closest to the UTM campus is at:

3085 Glen Erin Drive
Phone # 905-608-7000
Office Hours:  Monday-Friday 8:30-16:00

You need to take: your passport; a valid Study Permit (or Work Permit if you are working off campus); a copy of your contact or job offer signed by both you and the employer.

What else can you do now to get ready for your job search?

Start preparing now. Work on your resume and cover letter, using our Toolkit or attend a Resume and Cover Letter workshop. Continue to look for on-campus jobs and/or volunteer to develop the required skill sets and experience. Make sure you are signed up for the Career Centre newsletter, as we will announce any new changes to legislation on it.  If you don't currently receive our e-newsletter, click here to sign-up.