WORKING IN KINGSTON

•    What is a Social Insurance Number?  Do I need one?
•    What if English is not my native language?
•    Teaching Assistantships and English Language Skills
•    Are there opportunities to work in Queen’s School of Business?
•    Can I work Off-Campus?
•    What about staying to work in Canada after I graduate?
•    Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker

What is a Social Insurance Number?  Do I need one?

Social Insurance Number

The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the administration of various Canadian government programs. You will require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits.  As soon as you receive a SIN, please inform Teresa Touchette in the PhD/MSc in Management office. Your nearest Service Canada Centre is at 299 Concession Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 5H5 (613) 545-8559.

What if English is not my native language?

English Language Proficiency Tests

At Queen's School of Business, English is the language of instruction and communication. Proficiency in English is, therefore, a prerequisite for admission. Those applicants whose native languages do not include English will be required to obtain satisfactory standing in an English Language Proficiency Test before final acceptance is granted. The following English Language Proficiency tests are accepted by the School of Graduate Studies and Research:

TOEFL    Test of English as a Foreign Language  www.toefl.org

MELAB    Michigan English Language Assessment Battery www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/melab

IELTS    International English Language Testing System   www.ielts.org

Teaching Assistantships and English Language Skills

There is a program to assist graduate students who, over the course of their studies at Queen's, will serve as Teaching Assistants. The program offers specialized workshops as well as a diagnostic assessment for students who were required to take the TOEFL, Michigan or other approved language tests for admission to Queen's University. This is a mandatory assessment. It is not, however, a condition of acceptance into Queen's graduate programs. The diagnostic assessment will determine incoming graduate students' oral proficiency in English. A course entitled English Language Communication Skills for Teaching Purposes has also been developed as part of the program if additional language training is required to carry out the Teaching Assistant functions.

Are there opportunities to work in Queen’s School of Business?

Within the School of Business, students can seek additional funding through employment as teaching assistants at $37.32/hour as of Sept. 2011 or as research assistants at $24/hour for a recommended maximum of 10 hours per week.  Students in years 2, 3 and 4 of their PhD program must also work 240 hours per annum for no additional pay.  Students who have successfully passed their comprehensive examination may also apply to teach an undergraduate course.

Are there limits to how many hours I can work?

To retain full-time status, students cannot exceed 520 hours of RA/TA work per annum (including the 240 hours worked per annum as part of the PhD funding package).  A maximum of 10 hrs/wk is recommended.

Can I work Off-Campus?

On April 27, 2006, Citizenship and Immigration Canada launched the Off-Campus Employment Program for International Students. This will allow eligible students the opportunity to work off-campus during their studies here at Queen's.  To work off-campus, you have to apply for a Work Permit. Do not begin to work off campus until you have received your work permit.  Even if you work off campus, your studies must remain your primary purpose for being in Canada.

What about staying to work in Canada after I graduate?

Canada welcomes skilled worker immigrants and Citizenship and Immigration Canada have specific policies in place for international students who complete a degree, diploma or certificate program in Canada (does NOT apply to Exchange or School of English/ESL students). These policies allow for up to a maximum of 2 years of work following the completion of an eligible program.

The "Post-Graduation Employment Option" is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. That means that it can only be used once, even if you complete multiple degrees, diplomas or certificates in Canada.

This option allows someone who has found employment in a job related to their field of study to apply for a work permit within 90 days of completing the academic requirements of their program. The Career Services office at Queen's offers a wide range of services to assist students with finding post-graduation employment.

Immigrating to Canada as a Skilled Worker

Skilled workers have education, work experience, knowledge of English or French and other abilities that will help them to establish themselves successfully as permanent residents in Canada. Consult this section to find all the information and forms you need to make your application.  The rules for applying as a skilled worker can change. Before you apply, make sure you are following the current rules. After you apply, check back for information about the steps that follow.