VOLUNTEER
On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.
For more information, review IRCC鈥檚 and . We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC.
Off-campus volunteer work for which a person would not normally be paid, which is part time and incidental to the main reason you are in Canada (to study), generally does not require a work permit. Examples of this type of work might be volunteering for a food bank or acting as a mentor to a child.
If the off-campus volunteer work is an activity for which a Canadian citizen or permanent resident might normally be hired, or if it is considered "competitive" within the Canadian labour market, it will generally be considered employment and you will require a work permit (or you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to work using your study permit).
For more information, please review the . You may also contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist at International Services for Students if you have questions about work permit requirements for volunteer positions.
For volunteer opportunities, check out 丁香园AV Volunteer Services.