How To Work In Canada On A Study Permit

Last Updated On : January 24 , 2025

Can I work in Canada while studying??

Yes, you can work in Canada while studying, but certain conditions and restrictions apply.

International students in Canada can work on a study permit, which allows them to earn money while they study. In this blog post, we will delve into how to work in Canada on a study permit while maintaining your academic workload and succeeding in your studies. Discover the different types of work opportunities available to you.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you can work off-campus, on-campus, or through a co-op or internship program as an international student.

Working On-Campus:

You can work on campus without a work permit, either for the university or for a private employer located on campus.

Working Off-Campus:

You can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays or spring break.

Co-op or Internship:

If your study program includes a co-op or internship, you can work as part of your program without a work permit. However, you will need to have a co-op or internship work permit.

Now, let us discuss all of these programs in detail.

Working on Campus in Canada As an International Student

As an international student in Canada, working on campus can be a fantastic way to gain valuable work experience, build your network, and earn some extra money to support your living expenses.

Eligibility Criteria

To work on campus, international students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Hold a valid study permit
Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI)
Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Types of On-Campus Jobs

International students can work in various roles on campus, including:

Research assistant
Teaching assistant
Library assistant
Food service worker
Administrative assistant

Benefits of Working on Campus

Working on campus offers numerous benefits, including:

On-campus jobs often offer flexible scheduling to accommodate your academic commitments.
Working on campus provides a chance to connect with professors, researchers, and other students in your field.
On-campus jobs can help you develop valuable skills, such as communication, teamwork, and time management.

Working Off-Campus in Canada As An International Students

As an international student in Canada, you can apply to work off-campus without a work permit if you are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and your study program leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Eligibility Criteria

To work off-campus, international students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Hold a valid study permit
Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI)
Be in good academic standing
Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Have a valid off-campus work permit or be authorized to work off-campus through their study permit

Types of Off-Campus Jobs

International students can work in various roles off-campus, including:

Part-time jobs in retail, food service, or hospitality
Internships or co-op placements related to their field of study
Freelance or contract work
Volunteer work

Benefits of Working Off-Campus

Working off-campus offers numerous benefits, including:

Gaining Canadian work experience
Building a professional network
Improving language skills
Enhancing resume and job prospects
Earning extra money to support living expenses

Work As A Co-Op Student Or Intern

Work experience is a component of specific study programs' curricula. If you satisfy all the requirements below, apply for a co-op or intern work permit.

You possess current study permission.
You must work to finish your academic program in Canada.
You have a document from your school stating that work placements are necessary for all students in your program to get a degree.
Your study program's co-op placement or internship must be at most 50% of the total.

Working Hours Updates In Canada For International Students

As an international student, you must have some questions about your earnings in Canada while studying and after completing your course. The Canadian government provides part-time paid and unpaid internships for international students. Many students need clarification on how many hours they can work off campus.

There are different criteria for students :
During their regular semester, international students can work 20 hours/ Week.
International students holding a study permit and currently studying at a DLI for a full-time course can work more than 20 hours/week.

Note: Effective November 8, 2024, students can now work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without the need for a work permit.

Conclusion

Whether you're looking to gain practical skills, build your professional network, or simply earn some extra money to support yourself, working in Canada on a study permit can be a rewarding and enriching experience. So why not take the first step? Explore your options, navigate the requirements, and start building the future you want in Canada.