Work While Studying

Most international students are eligible to work while studying. There are different requirements for working on campus and off-campus.

"On campus" refers to all existing buildings on your campus or college. You can find information about working on campus  from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

"Off campus" means parts of your city or city that are not part of the campus or college.  

If you meet all of these requirements, you can work off-campus without a work permit :

• You are a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• You are enrolled in one of the following
•  A post-secondary  academic,  vocational, or vocational training   program or
• A secondary level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• Your Curriculum
• It lasts at least 6 months, and
• Leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
• You started reading
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

Generally, international students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus:

• During regular school sessions or when you're studying as part of an intense, uninterrupted schedule scheduled.
• If your studies are part-time because you are completing the last session of your program.
• If you are a master's student who has taken the necessary courses for your degree.

Generally, you can work full-time:

• During official school holidays, such as winter and summer breaks or spring breaks.
• If you have applied for a non-student work permit, after completing your studies.

Learn more about working outside of academia from  IRCC.

Changes in Off-School Working Hours for International Students