WORK WHILE YOU STUDY
International students with a valid study permit may work while studying in Canada without a work permit. Spouses/Common-law partners of foreign students can also work in Canada while their spouse is studying. The spouse can apply for an Open Work Permit which allows them to work in any job without restriction.
Work On-Campus
Full-time students who are enrolled at an institution may work at that institutions campus in any job without a work permit. Students may work at more than one campus of an institution, provided that they are in the same municipality. Students may be enrolled in any course to be eligible.
The permitted institutions are:
- Universities
- Community Colleges
- CEGEPs
- Publicly Funded trade/technical schools
- Private Institutions authorized by provincial statue to confer degrees
In order to be eligible to work on-campus, international students must:
-
Hold a valid Study Permit
-
Be a full-time student
Note: International students in Canada must stop working on the day they no longer meet the above eligibility requirements
Work Off-Campus
Foreign students may qualify to work off-campus without a work permit. This will allow them to:
-
work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and
-
work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
In order to be eligible to work off campus, international students must:
-
Hold a valid Study Permit
-
Be studying at a designated learning institution the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level
-
Remain in satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution
-
Be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.
Note: International students in Canada must stop working on the day they no longer meet the above eligibility requirements
The following international students are not eligible to work off-campus:
-
Students enrolled in an English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language program;
-
Students taking a general interest course or program; and
-
Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution.
Certain Exemptions: Students working as graduate , research or teaching assistants may work off campus a locations related to their research grants. These locations must have a formal association or affiliation with he learning institution. This may include hospitals, clinics and research institutes.
Post-Graduate Work Permit
Once an international student graduates, they can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit which is an Open Work Permit, allowing them to work in any job, without restrictions. An LMIA or a confirmation of job offer are not needed to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit.
In order to be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit you must:
-
Apply for a work permit within 90 days of receiving written confirmation (for example, a transcript or an official letter) from your institution indicating that you have met the requirements for completing your academic program.
-
Have completed and passed the program of study and received a notification that you are eligible to obtain your degree, diploma or certificate.
-
Have a valid study permit when you apply for the work permit.
Need more information about the Program?
We always advise clients to discuss their specific situation with an expert who can help steer you in the right direction. We offer one-to-one consultations as well in which our consultants will understand our clients requirements and will be available to answer any questions in the most precise manner. This process not only adds value but also avoids common mistakes that an applicant is prone to without having a professional consultation. We are your partner in this process, so feel free to book your consultation now!