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Work While Studying in Canada

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by Kathy Watkins

Working While Studying in Canada

In 2014, changes were made to Canadian study permits to benefit international students. These adjustments enable most students to work while studying in Canada, providing them with valuable work experience. Typically, Canadian study permits allow full-time international students to work up to 20 hours per week during their academic terms and engage in full-time employment during scheduled breaks. A temporary exception, effective from November 15, 2022, allows students to work more than 20 hours weekly, but this is valid only until December 2023. 

Work While Studying in Canada

There are specific situations where a study permit may not allow an international student to be employed while studying:

In some situations, international students might continue working up to 20 hours per week even without full-time enrollment:

It is important to remember that if a study permit becomes invalid, the student immediately loses their right to work in Canada. Working or studying without legal permission can negatively impact future Canadian immigration applications.

Using this information can help optimize your study and work experience in Canada, aligning with the policies outlined by Immigration to Canada.

Essential Information on Social Insurance Number (SIN) for Workers in Canada

If you’re planning to work in Canada, securing a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a necessity. This requirement extends to international students, who must apply for a SIN prior to starting any employment in the country. Applications can be submitted either in-person or via mail through Service Canada.

For international students, there are specific stipulations that must be noted on the study permit to be eligible for a SIN. These conditions include one of the following, or both: 

If these conditions are not currently on the study permit, students can request an amendment to have them added.

For those navigating the immigration process, understanding the requirements for obtaining a SIN is crucial. By ensuring that all necessary conditions are met and properly documented, international students can seamlessly transition into the Canadian workforce.

Off-Campus Employment Opportunities in Canada for International Students

With a valid Canadian Study Permit, international students have the opportunity to work for employers outside their educational institution’s campus.

Once eligible for off-campus employment, international students in Canada can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks such as winter holidays, summer vacations, or spring break, they are permitted to work full-time. (NOTE: From November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, Canada has implemented a temporary measure allowing eligible international students to work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session to address labor shortages.)

Criteria for Off-Campus Work Eligibility

To qualify for off-campus employment while studying in1033### Off-Campus Employment for International Students

At Immigration to Canada, we understand that many international students are eager to gain work experience while studying. With a valid Canadian Study Permit, students may work outside the campus of their educational institution.

Working Hours and Rules

Eligible international students can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic periods. During scheduled breaks like winter holidays, summer holidays, or spring break, they are allowed to work full-time. A temporary measure, effective from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, allows eligible students to work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. This is an initiative to address Canada’s labor shortages.

Criteria for Off-Campus Work Eligibility

To qualify for off-campus work, international students need to:

Work While Studying in Canada

When an international student’s circumstances change and they no longer satisfy the necessary eligibility criteria, they must cease working off-campus. However, in certain cases, a student who transitions from full-time to part-time studies may continue to work off-campus if they meet specific conditions: 

There are specific categories of international students who are not permitted to work off-campus in Canada. These include:

Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses a student’s full-time status based on the hours and credits required to earn a degree, diploma, or certificate, as outlined by the Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

On-Campus Employment for International Students

International students in Canada have the opportunity to work directly on campus under certain conditions. This allows them to gain valuable work experience while studying.

Requirements for On-Campus Employment

To work on-campus without a special work permit, international students must meet the following criteria:

Understanding On-Campus Employment

On-campus work involves employment opportunities located within the geographical boundaries of the educational institution where the student is enrolled. This could include working for the school itself, a faculty department, or a student organization. Other options include employment with a private business situated on campus, engagement with a private contractor serving the school, or even starting a self-run business on campus.

When considering these work options, it’s important for students to understand the rules and ensure they comply with the guidelines set by both their educational institution and Immigration to Canada policies. This practical work experience can significantly enhance a student’s time in Canada and provide them with skills beneficial for their future career.

Opportunities for Co-op Students and Interns in Canada

At Immigration to Canada, we assist international students who are enrolled in programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada that include a compulsory work placement or internship component. Such students need to secure a co-op or intern work permit in addition to holding a valid study permit to participate in these mandatory placements.

If you’re an international student seeking to gain practical experience through internships or co-op programs in Canada, it’s crucial to ensure you have the right permits. A co-op or intern work permit is essential for students in programs where work placement is a required element. This permit allows you to integrate valuable work experience with your academic studies, a common requisite by Canadian institutions for comprehensive learning.

Work Permits for International Graduates

After completing their studies, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, allowing them to gain valuable work experience in Canada.

Additionally, full-time international students’ spouses or common-law partners might qualify for an open work permit. Check out the dedicated section on our website for more insights into the benefits of obtaining an open work permit.

FAQ
Can I work in Canada with a study permit?

Yes, many international students in Canada with a valid study permit are eligible to work while studying. You can work on or off-campus, provided you meet certain conditions, such as being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

How many hours am I allowed to work as an international student during the academic year?

During regular academic sessions, you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus. This is to ensure that your work does not interfere with your studies. You may also work more than 20 hours per week on campus if permitted. During scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays, you can work full-time.

What types of jobs can I do on-campus?

On-campus work opportunities might include positions at the university or college itself, or jobs that are directly linked to the institution, such as working at the library, student union, or even with a faculty member as a research assistant. You do not need a work permit to work on-campus if you are a full-time student with a valid study permit.

Do I need a separate work permit to work off-campus?

No, you do not need a separate work permit to work off-campus as long as you meet the eligibility requirements outlined in your study permit. Your study permit will specify if you are allowed to work off-campus. Always ensure that you maintain eligibility conditions, such as continuing as a full-time student, to work off-campus legally.

Can I continue to work after I complete my study program?

After completing your study program, you can no longer work with your study permit. However, you may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to work in Canada for a period equivalent to the length of your study program, up to a maximum of three years. You must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing your program.

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