If you’re entering Canada as an international student, chances are you’ve looked up whether or not you can work with a student visa.
The good news is that you can—it’s possible to make money while pursuing your education with a study permit in Canada. However, there are certain conditions you first need to meet if you want to fully take advantage of this opportunity.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!
Who Can Work While Studying in Canada?
While you are on a study permit in Canada, you may need to support your living costs or gain appropriate experience in your line of work—which is why the government allows international students to work while holding a study permit, provided they meet certain requirements. In these cases, your study permit conditions will list that you’re allowed to work on or off-campus.
There are specific conditions and allowances based on where you choose to work. The rules for working on campus are different than working off campus or during a co-op placement, for example. Also, you can only start working in Canada once you have started your course of study and not before.
The Rules for On-Campus Work
Having a valid study permit will allow you to work on campus in Canada if you meet the following criteria:
- You have already started your studies
- You are enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student at a college, university, trade or technical school, or private school that can award province-authorized degrees under law
- You have conditions on your work-study permit allowing you to work on campus
- You have a valid study permit
- You have a valid social insurance number (SIN)
You are no longer eligible to work on campus the day you stop studying full-time, when your permit expires, if you’re on an authorized leave from your studies, or if you’re switching schools and therefore aren’t currently studying.
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The Rules for Off-Campus Work
If you have a valid study permit in Canada, you will be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit assuming you meet the following criteria:
- You have already started your study program
- You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- You’re enrolled in a post-secondary vocational, academic, or professional training program (or a secondary-level vocational program in Quebec)
- You’re enrolled in a study program that will last at least six months and award you a diploma, degree, or certificate at the end
- You’ve started studying and have a SIN
The rule for off-campus work—that it is only for full-time students—has an exemption:
- If you meet all the criteria listed above except being a full-time student
- And your studies are part-time for the following reasons:
- You’re pursuing the last semester of the program and you don’t need full-time classes
- You were a full-time student up until the last semester
How Many Hours Can a Student Work in Canada Per Week?
The study permit work hours are limited to 20 per week for off-campus jobs. However, a temporary public policy allows international students in Canada to work off campus without a traditional work permit for more than 20 hours per week.
You can also work at more than one place, provided you only work up to 20 hours a week unless you have an exemption. No matter where you choose to work, you and your employer must ensure that your study permit allows off-campus work before you start, otherwise you may have to leave Canada.
Get Relevant Work Experience With Co-Op Placements
Cooperative educational programs, or co-op placements, involve working as a part of your degree’s curriculum. Generally, students are required to have an intern or co-op work permit first before starting their work term. These can be off-campus or on-campus.
Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for a co-op permit:
- You have a valid student visa and social insurance number in Canada
- Working is a part of your academic requirements and you have a letter from your college or university stating the same
- Your co-op or internship will not be more than 50% of your study program
Image source: Canva
Work While You Study at ILAC International College
As you’ve learned, working while studying in Canada is possible when you meet certain requirements. While working can help manage tuition fees and living expenses, it’s only half of the equation—getting an education is where it all begins!
ILAC International College is the top institution for international students looking to pursue an education in business, sales, marketing, and more! Both our Toronto and Vancouver campuses offer career-focused programs that include co-op placements.
Take the first step towards success when you apply now!
Disclaimer: The immigration information on this page has been reviewed and endorsed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) and is in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. Note that this is not a legal document and the information provided within this article may change without notice. Always refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information. Visa approval success is contingent on eligibility and direct screening by IRCC.