Working while you Study in Canada

International post-secondary students in possession of a valid study permit are able to work part time during their studies (and full time during breaks).

Work on Campus

Without obtaining a work permit, you may work on campus at the institution where you study if you have a valid study permit and are a full-time student at:

•  a public post-secondary institution (university or college)
• a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules as a public institution and receives at least 50% of funding from government grants
• a private institution authorized to award degrees

Work Off Campus

During studies in Canada, study permit holders may work off-campus while completing their studies, and are allowed to:

• Work up to 20 hours/week or part-time during regular academic sessions
• Work full-time during spring breaks, summer or winter holidays.

In order to be eligible to complete this kind of work, you must:

• Possess a valid study permit
• Be a full-time student, enrolled with a designated learning institution
• Study in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Co-op Work or Internship

Some academic programs have work experience as an integrated part of their curriculum. In these cases, foreign students must apply for a separate work permit (and still be in possession of a valid study permit).

Eligibility requirements:

• Have a valid study permit
• Intended employment is an important part of the program of study in Canada
• Employment must be part of the program offered by a designated learning institution and it must be bcertified
• The co-op work or internship cannot occupy more than 50% of the total program of study.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

In order to receive services and benefits from government programs from Service Canada or to work in Canada, students need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).  In order to receive it, students must also have one of these conditions or remarks printed on their study permit:

• May accept work on campus at the institution at which enrolled as a full-time students.
• May work 20 hours per week off-campus or full-time during regular scheduled breaks if meets certain criteria.
• May accept work on or off campus meeting certain eligibility criteria

Note: It is important to keep in mind that international students that are working either on or off-campus must stop working the day they no longer meet the above stated requirements (e.g. they are no longer a full-time student).