Alena Khabibullina
Staff Reporter
Illustration: Sam Bullis/The Dialog
I am an International student and would like to go to New York. I suppose if I already have a Canadian visa and a study permit, I don’t need the U.S. visa. Am I right?
No. Unfortunately it’s not correct as you still do need to apply for the U.S. visa because it’s a different country. It also depends which country you are from and what is the purpose of your trip. For instance, citizens of some countries such as Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand and most of the countries –members of the European Union do not need a tourist visa to enter U.S. You can find more full information on the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs:www.travel.state.gov/visa.
We have just started our first classes this semester and our professor sucks. Before it’s late, can we change him somehow? Where to complain?
Yes, you may change but you need to escalate this issue to higher authorities of the college. You can start with coordinator of the program to the director of the respective department. I am sure they will take necessary actions.
I just arrived to Toronto and most of the job opportunities are already filled in on campus. I need to pay my bills and accommodation. I am not relying on my parents and I am so fucked up. Please let me know how can I get a job on or off campus?
First of all, legal eligibility for work in Canada depends on your status. If you are a Canadian citizen, there is no obstacle in trying to find a job within or outside the campus.
You need to check the job postings on George Brown College website for all the on campus jobs they have and also visit Student Association office as there are usually some open positions. You can find more information onwww.georgbrowncollege.ca and www.studentassociation.ca
If there are no current openings you can apply for the off-campus postings. The Career Centre helps students with resumes and cover letters you need for a job application.
It’s more complicated if you are an international student. You are eligible to work on campus without a work permit. This is the best part of it. Working outside the campus requires a valid work permit for international students that you cannot get earlier than six months of your stay in Canada.
Cash work is illegal without a valid work permit, be also careful even with unpaid internships as some of them still require off-campus work permit. If it’s not possible to find current opportunities within the campus I encourage you to volunteer as this experience builds your resume and gives a record of your social contribution in Canada which is really important for future jobs.
Having found a job remember that you are eligible to work not more than 20 hours a week if you a full-time student. You can also visit GBC’s International Centre. They provide the students with all needed information and service for international students.
