Some foreign students opt to take on part time jobs while they are studying in Canada. This provides them with work experience and some extra spending money for themselves and their families. Depending on where you decide to work there are different requirements. The most important requirement is the work permit. If you want to work on campus and are a full time student you don’t need a work permit if you have a valid study permit and are enrolled at one of the following:
- a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university, or a collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
- a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or
- a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degree
Working off campus is also an option. Many times there are better opportunities with higher wages available when you venture off campus. Again there are requirements, such as having a valid study permit, being a full time student enrolled at a participating publicly funded post-secondary educational institution or in an approved program at an eligible privately funded institution; we can tell you if your school falls under either of these categories
To work off campus, you must apply for a work permit. Do not begin to work off campus until you have received your work permit. The work permit authorizes you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full time during scheduled breaks (for example, winter and summer holidays, and spring break). Remember, your main purpose should be your studies, work is on the side.
Apply for work permit or contact us for more information
For some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. Foreign students who wish to participate in a co-op or internship program should apply for a work permit and like any other student need a valid study permit. The usual requirements apply, however, for co-op or internship programs your employment must be part of your academic program. It should be certified by a letter from a responsible academic official of the institution. As usual, the primary purpose for being in Canada is your studies; your co-op or internship employment cannot form more than 50 percent of the total program of study.
For many foreign students who complete their course of study in Canada, they find themselves wanting to continue living in Canada. They have had the chance to experience Canadian life and have formed relationships with their peers and community members. There are ways to start or continue working after graduation. What you would want, as usual, is a work permit under the Post-graduation Work Permit Program. A work permit under the this program cannot be valid for longer than the student’s study program. For example, if you graduate from a four-year degree program, you could be eligible for a three-year work permit if you meet certain requirements. The Canadian Experience Class is another way to continue working after your graduate. It is a way for students and temporary workers to convert their temporary status to permanent residence, paving the way to citizenship.
Not all students come to Canada alone, several bring their spouse or common law with them as well. While you study, your spouse is given the opportunity to help the two of you financially by working. Your spouse or common law may apply for a work permit if
- you are a full-time student at:
- a public post-secondary institution, such as a college or university or collège d’enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec
- a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same rules and regulations as a public institution, and receives at least 50 percent of its financing for its overall operations from government grants (currently, only private college-level educational institutions in Quebec qualify) or
- a Canadian private institution authorized by provincial statute to confer degrees
- you have a valid study permit or
- you have a valid work permit.
- Your spouse cannot work longer than the term of your study
- you must have been a full-time student at a participating institution for at least six of the last 12 months before you apply for an off campus work permit