How to Work in Canada

If you are an international student with full-time registration status and a valid Study Permit, you are eligible to work in Canada, with some conditions.

On-Campus Work

Off-Campus Work

Co-op Work Permit

Post-Graduation Work Permit

Work Permit for a Spouse or Common-Law Partner

Income Tax

Social Insurance Number

 

On-campus work:

If you are an international student with full-time registration status and a valid Study Permit, you may be eligible to work on campus without a work permit.

Definition of On-campus work:

On-campus work includes any job that is located within the boundaries of the campus. The employer can be the university (for example library, bookstore, department, registrar’s office, athletic center, residence…) or a private business located on campus like coffee shops, restaurants or contractors providing services to the university.

You are eligible to work off campus without a work permit if you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• You hold a valid study permit.
• You are a full-time student enrolled in a degree program (exception: when you are in the last term of your final year of study, you can work even if you are studying part-time);
• Your program of study is at least six months or more in duration and one that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
• You have a valid SIN (social insurance number)

You must stop working off campus the day you no longer meet the above eligibility requirements (e.g., if you are no longer a full-time student.)

You are not eligible to work off campus if:

• You are a visiting or exchange student
• You are registered in a general interest program or a non-degree program
• You are registered in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) program.