Many international students choose to work while pursuing their studies to gain skills that enhance their employability. This guide will explore the regulations surrounding on-campus and off-campus work for international students in Canada, including eligibility requirements and working conditions.
Work on сampus
As an international student, you may be eligible to work on your school campus without a work permit. You can only begin working only after your study program has started. You can work on campus without a work permit as many hours as you want if:
- You are a full-time post-secondary student at a designated learning institution (DLI), such as a public college, university, or trade school.
- You are enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your study permit allows you to work on campus.
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada.
“On-campus” work includes all buildings associated with your institution: the school itself, faculty members, student organizations, private businesses located on campus, and private contractors providing services to the school. If you work as a teaching or research assistant, you may be permitted to work at affiliated locations like libraries or hospitals.
Work off сampus
As an international student, you may be eligible to work outside of your school campus without a work permit. You can only begin working only after your study program has started. You can work off campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours a week if:
- You are a full-time post-secondary student at a designated learning institution (DLI), such as a public college, university, or trade school.
- You are enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your study permit allows you to work off campus.
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada.
You can work unlimited hours off campus during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays.
Work as a co-op student
Some study programs include work experience as part of their curriculum. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if:
- You are applying for a study permit, or you have a valid study permit.
- You are required to work in order to complete your study program.
- You have a letter from your school that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree.
- Your co-op placement or internship is 50% or less of your study program.
