The University of Manitoba has many international students and new graduates that may be eligible to work off-campus while attending school, during the summer and after they graduate.

On-Campus

If your office or place of business is located on the University of Manitoba campus or you are a contractor providing services on the campus, you may hire an international student who has a valid Study Permit and is registered in full-time studies at the University of Manitoba. No work permit is required. There is no restriction on the number of hours a student can work on campus. In addition to the main campus, employment at the Bannatyne Campus is also considered on campus.

Co-op/Internships

Some students opt to do a co-op or work experience placement as part of their program of study. Students can work full-time and work placements can range from 4 to 18 months depending on the program. Students will have a work permit enabling them to undertake these work placements, no documentation is required from the employer to facilitate the student receiving the work permit.

Off-Campus Work Permit Program - Employer Information
International students who receive an off-campus work permit may work up to 20 hours per week during the regular academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks.
A valid Off Campus Work Permit also enables a student to work full-time for 90 days after the completion of their program of study. This provides the necessary bridge between studies and post-graduation employment.

International students have much to offer as part-time or summer employees, including:

• Skills in languages other than English
• A cross-cultural perspective
• Adaptability to different environments
• Motivation and dedication

International students may also have specific academic skills and technical expertise that will be valuable in the workplace.

How to Hire an International Student while they are still a student

• Make sure the student has a permit for off-campus work. No documentation is required from the employer to facilitate the student receiving the work permit
• Check that the international student has a social insurance number (SIN). You must ask to see the SIN card of all new employees as soon as they are hired. However, employees may show the card, or proof that they applied for the card, within three days of starting work, and they may work during the waiting period. Temporary workers are given SINs that begin with a 9.
• Read your employee’s work permit, especially the “conditions” section. International students are responsible for following the conditions and time limits described on their work permits. Limits may also include what kind of work an international student may do, or special conditions depending on the job. For example, students must pass an immigration medical examination before they begin work in health care, child care, or primary or secondary education.

Aside from the above, your role will be the same as with any other employee in Manitoba. For instance, international students are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Employment Standards Act.

How to Hire an International Student after they graduate

Under the Post-Graduation Work Program, international students who have graduated from eligible post-secondary institutions in Canada may be able to work in Canada for up to two years after graduation. Students offered employment in Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver will be limited to one year employment after graduation. The work must relate to their recently completed field of study, and international students must apply for a post-graduation work permit within 90 days of program completion. If they have done so, they are still eligible to work off-campus during that period, provided that they have a valid study permit and a valid off-campus work permit. The application must contain a written offer of employment and proof that they have completed their program of study. The offer of employment should contain the following information to assist the immigration officer in determining that it is consistent with the student’s program of study:

• Job title of the position being offered
• Description of the job, listing duties and responsibilities
• Statement of the education, skills or experience the worker would need to fill the position
• Start and end date of the position
• Details of the salary and other compensations
• Name, address of employer and address where the employee will be working.
• Include the name and phone number of a contact for the employer who is familiar with the job offer so that CIC can confirm the offer or clarify questions if required.

Additional information on these programs is available at www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work-opps.html You may also wish to learn more about the Provincial Nominee Program. The international student category is designed to help employers recruit academically strong graduates who are expected to meet the future skill needs of their organizations.