Working While Studying

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For many decades, Canada has attracted thousands of overseas students to its higher education institutions by offering them part-time employment opportunities. The job market in Canada is always an easy catch for individuals who desire to pursue either bachelor's or master's degrees. It is good to conduct a general study on various careers in Canada before deciding which province or territory you would like to study and work in.

Who is permitted to work while studying in Canada?

Before starting a job while studying in Canada, make sure you qualify since if you don't, you may be ordered to leave the country. Your study permit will specify whether you are permitted to work on or off-campus.
If international students complete all of these requirements, they can work on campus without a work permit. (Please keep in mind that you must quit working on campus the day your full-time studies end.)

  • You are a full-time post-secondary student at one of the following institutions:
    • a public post-secondary institution,
    • a private college-level school in Quebec that receives at least 50% of its funding from the government,
  • is a Canadian private school authorized by provincial law to award degrees
  • You have a valid study permit.
  • You have a Social Security Number (SIN).

Like any other country, Canada has particular employment restrictions for overseas students who want to work while or after they finish their education. Let's have a look at the most crucial ones first:

Work types that are permitted

A. Jobs on campus

As soon as you begin classes, you are free to work any part-time job on your university's campus. You will have numerous job opportunities, such as working for the institution, as a faculty member, or as a student organization member. You can even start a small-scale business as long as it is physically present on your university's campus.
Even if your university has numerous campuses, you will usually only be allowed to work in your study location. Only if you have taken on responsibilities connected to research funds or teaching will you work on other campuses.

Eligibility criteria

  • You must be a full-time foreign student at a public post-secondary institution or a private college-level institution that receives at least a 50percent of its funding from government grants or a private university with the authority to confer degrees.
  • You must have current study permission.
  • You must have a SIN( Social Insurance Number). After you land in the country, you can apply for a SIN.

You must quit working as soon as possible after:

  • You stop your full-time studies.
  • Your student visa has expired.
  • You've been granted permission to take a break from your studies.

B. Off-campus employment

Even without a working visa, you can generally work part-time off-campus while pursuing your education in Canada. To be sure, double-check your study visa. When learning is in session, you can work for at most 20 hours per week and full-time on vacations and holiday breaks.
Even if your university has numerous campuses, you will usually only be allowed to work in your study location. Only if you have taken on responsibilities connected to research funds or teaching will you work on other campuses.

Eligibility criteria

  • You must be undergoing a full-time study at a DLI (Designated Learning Institute) or a part-time learner in your last year at a DLI.
  • You must be enrolled in either a post-secondary vocational/academic/professional training program or a secondary level vocational course of study.
  • Your program should last at least six (6) months and should be leading in a certificate, diploma, or degree.
  • You must have a Social Insurance Number.

You are not free to work off-campus if :

  • You are not permitted to work off-campus under the terms of your study permit.
  • You are enrolled in the general interest, pre-degree, or English/French as second language classes.

C. Internships and co-op employment

If your study program offers you work experience as part of the curriculum, you may qualify for co-op employment or internships after obtaining a work permit.

Eligibility criteria

  • You must have current study permission.
  • You must be enrolled in a DLI-offered post-secondary vocation/academic/professional training program or a secondary level vocational training program.
  • Your program may lead to a degree/diploma/certification.
  • Work experience must be an essential component of your education.
  • Your job placement should not account for more than 50% of your total study time.
  • You must have a SIN.

If you meet all conditions, you can apply for a work permit through Canada's IRCC website.

What is SIN (Social Insurance Number), and how can You get one?

The SIN is a 9-digit number provided by the Canadian government. You must have this number to work part-time and receive other government benefits.
To apply, you must show your study permit. It is important to note that it should say that you are authorized to work in Canada. If your student permit does not mention your ability to work, you can contact IRCC to verify and add the statement.
Once you've all of your documentation in order, you can complete and submit the SIN application form online.

Work rules for post-graduation employment

You might be able to work full-time in Canada following graduation. The following are the two most likely scenarios:

  • you apply for a work permit (or PGWP, a post-graduation work permit) before your study permit expires
  • you enrol in a new study program at a DLI; if your university is not a DLI, you will be unable to work.

The following conditions must be met to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP):

  • The following conditions must be met to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP):
  • Graduating from a DLI qualifies you for the PGWP but does not guarantee you will obtain it.
  • After graduating from university/receiving your final results or marks, you must apply for the PGWP within 180 days (about six months).
  • The study program you complete must last at least eight months.
  • You cannot apply for a 2nd PGWP if you have already acquired one due to finishing a previous study program.
  • You must pay a 255 CAD application fee.

The PGWP is granted in approximately 53 days. The PGWP might be valid for nine months to 3 years, depending on the length of your academic program.

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