University Transfer means one post-secondary institution recognizes education completed at another. For Coquitlam College students, this means they can use their credits earned at Coquitlam College to meet some of the requirements for a credential at another degree-granting institution in British Columbia and across Canada. After completing their first- and second-year university level courses at Coquitlam College, students have the choice to transfer to the second or third year of a Bachelor’s Degree program at research institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, the University of Victoria, and the University of Northern British Columbia, or at other degree-granting institutions throughout the province of British Columbia or in other provinces of Canada.
Our course content and governing regulations are modelled on British Columbia’s research universities as defined by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT). We regularly review both to ensure that we maintain the highest standards expected by these institutions. To see how Coquitlam College University Courses transfer to British Columbia’s universities, visit the BCCAT website called the B.C. Transfer Guide.
Associate of Arts Degree
Coquitlam College is a DLI authorized by the Government of Canada to offer a PGWP-eligible program. Two-year Associate of Arts Degree students who are registered in full-time coursework are eligible to work off-campus up to 20 hours per week* during each academic semester and full-time during semester breaks. Upon completion of the Associate of Arts Degree, eligible students can apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).
*As of November 15, 2022, some students may be authorized to work more than 20 hours per week while studying, as per current temporary policies of the Government of Canada. Read on (below) for more important information:
IRCC announced that starting from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, eligible international students who have a valid study permit with off-campus work authorization will be able to work full-time.
You may be eligible to work off-campus more than 20 hours per week while registered in classes at Coquitlam College if you:
- Are a study permit holder and are studying full-time at Coquitlam College (or part-time during your final academic session but maintained your full-time status throughout your program) AND you must meet all the following requirements:
- If you applied for a study permit (or extension) on or before October 7, 2022:
You can work more than 20 hours per week off campus if you’re in any of the following situations:
- You’re a study permit holder.
- Your study permit has expired, but you have maintained your status and are studying at a DLI full-time (or part-time if it’s your final academic semester).
- You’re approved for a study permit but haven’t arrived in Canada yet.
In addition, you must meet these requirements:
- You must either be in Canada or have re-entered Canada by December 31, 2023.
- You must have one of the following conditions printed on your study permit:
- May work 20 hrs. per week off campus, or full time during regular breaks, if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR.
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
2. If you applied for a study permit extension after October 7, 2022:
You can work more than 20 hours per week off campus until your current study permit expires if
- you’re a study permit holder who is studying at a DLI full-time (or part-time if it’s your final academic semester) and
- your current study permit expires between November 15, 2022, and December 31, 2023
In addition, you must meet these requirements:
- You must either be in Canada or have re-entered Canada by December 31, 2023.
- You must have one of the following conditions printed on your study permit:
- May work 20 hrs. per week off campus, or full time during regular breaks, if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR.
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
For more information about this temporary policy, please visit IRCC website. If you have any questions about your eligibility, come to Student Services to speak to the International Student Advisor.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED for working while studying while in the Associate of Arts Degree Program:
- May work 20 hrs per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR, or
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
2. Social Insurance Number (SIN) – A Social Insurance Number is required in order to work in Canada. To apply for your SIN, bring your valid study permit and passport and to the nearest Service Canada Office.
If you study permit does not specify working conditions, you may request to amend your study permit with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at no cost. If you are an English Studies student moving into the Associate Degree Program, you may also apply for a Change of Conditions.
Speak to an Academic Advisor
Or Speak to a RISIA (Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor)
To discuss study permit renewals/extensions, ability to work, PGWP eligibility and other IRCC-related questions with the CC RISIA:
Contact the main office by email or phone to set up an appointment.
The CC RISIA is in the Student Services office most Tues/Wed from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Or by virtual appointment.
To speak directly to an Academic Advisor, drop into Student Services office or call 604-939-6633:
Monday-Thursday | 8:30am to 5:30pm（Vancouver time）
Friday | 8:30am to 4:00pm（Vancouver time）
Discover your Transfer Option
To see how Coquitlam College courses transfer to British Columbia’s universities, visit the online transfer guide of the British Columbia Council of Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT).
