A test project was announced today by Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki and Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology Doug Horner, which will expand the Off-Campus work permit program to allow students from select private educational institutions in Alberta, Canada to obtain off-campus work permits.

International students attending select private institutions and enrolling in specific qualifying programs are now eligible to apply.

The institutions included Ambrose University College, Canadian University College, Concordia University College of Alberta, St. Mary’s University College, Taylor University College and Seminary, and The King’s University College.

Previously, only international students attending public universities could apply.

“This pilot will allow more international students studying in Canada to work off-campus, to contribute to our economy, and to gain Canadian work experience,” Komarnicki said, speaking on behalf of Immigration Minister Diane Finley.

“The expansion of the Off-Campus Work Permit Program provides more international students with an opportunity to participate in one of the most robust labour markets in Canada,” said Horner. “I am confident that their experiences will convince many of them to establish careers in Alberta following graduation.”