Program Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits, including:
- 6 credits in first-year English
- 9 credits in Science/Mathematics
- 36 credits in Arts, which must include at least 18 credits at the second-year level in subjects such as psychology, economics, philosophy, history, sociology, and more.
- 9 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas
Note: The last 3 courses of the program must be completed at Coquitlam College.
Associate of Arts Graduation Checklist & GPA Calculator Request for Degree Authorized Leave
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.
This program is offered under the written consent of the Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills effective August 7, 2013 having undergone a quality assessment process and been found to meet the criteria established by the minister. Nevertheless, prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs (for example, acceptable to potential employers, professional licensing bodies, or other educational institutions).
Archived Associate of Arts Degree Program Guides
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).
