Who can work on-campus

 

You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.
You can work as an international student in Canada if your study permit lists a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.

 

1. are a full-time post-secondary student at a :
– public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
– private college-level school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools, and is at least 50% funded by government grants, or
– Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law

 

2. have a valid study permit, and

 

3. have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

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Who can work off campus

 

You and your employer must make sure you can work off campus without a work permit before you start working. If you start working off campus but don’t meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada.

You can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can’t work before you start your studies.

If you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of these requirements:

  1. 1. you’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
  2. 2. you’re enrolled in :
  3. 3. your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
  4. 4. you’ve started studying
  5. 5. you have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

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Work as a co-op student or intern

 

ELIGIBILITY

Some study programs include work experience as part of their curriculum.
You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if:

  • – you have a valid study permit
  • – work is required to complete your study program in Canada
  • – you have a letter from your school that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree, and
  • – your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program

You aren’t eligible for a co-op work permit if you’re taking one of the following:

  • – English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL),
  • – general interest courses, or
  • – courses to prepare for another study program.

If you’re not eligible for a co-op work permit, but you want to work in Canada, you need to apply for a work permit.

More information on Working as co-op student or intern

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Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada

 

Who can get a work permit as the spouse or common-law partner of a student?

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

  • 1. have a valid study permit and
  • 2. are a full-time student at one of these types of schools:
    • – a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
    • – a private college-level school in Quebec
    • – a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree)

Stay in Canada after graduation

 

After you graduate from your program of studies, you may be able to work temporarily or even live permanently in Canada.

Work in Canada temporarily after you graduate

To work in Canada after you graduate, you need a work permit. The work experience you gain while working may help you qualify for permanent residence.

  • – Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)
  • – Other types of work permits

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