International Student Graduates: Canadian Government Jobs Prospects

International students in Canada have many job opportunities, both during and after their studies. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, with different requirements for each. For instance, off-campus jobs for international students don't require a work permit as long as certain conditions are met, such as being enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution. On the other hand, on-campus jobs have more limited options and may require a work permit. After graduation, international students can apply for a post-graduate work permit (PGWP) to continue working in Canada full-time. The Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program are also avenues for international students to find employment with the Canadian government.

International students can work on-campus and off-campus in Canada

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), being in the last semester of their study program, and not needing a full course load to complete their program. Students must also ensure that they do not exceed 24 hours of work per week, as working more hours would violate their study permit conditions and result in losing their student status.

To work off-campus, international students must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a 9-digit number provided by the Canadian government. To obtain a SIN, students must have specific conditions printed on their study permit, such as eligibility to work off-campus and the number of hours permitted. Students can request to add these conditions to their study permit at no cost before applying for a SIN.

On-campus work for international students in Canada is also possible. To be eligible, students must have the right conditions on their study permit, such as permission to work on-campus and meeting specific eligibility criteria. With the appropriate conditions, students can apply for a SIN to work on-campus. There is no limit to the number of hours an international student can work on-campus, and they can work off-campus simultaneously as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for both.

International students in Canada should carefully review the requirements and regulations for working on and off-campus. They can consult official government sources or seek guidance from their educational institution to ensure they comply with the necessary conditions and permits for working while studying in Canada.

Students need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada

International students in Canada need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in the country. A SIN is a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada provides. It is required to work in Canada and to access government programs and benefits, such as Employment Insurance (EI) and the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

To apply for a SIN, international students must first ensure that their study permit includes one of the following conditions:

• May work 24 hours per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks, meeting the criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
• May accept employment on or off-campus if eligible per paragraph R186(f), (v), or (w) and must stop working if eligibility ceases.

Students can request to add these conditions to their study permit at no cost. However, they must obtain an amendment to their study permit before applying for a SIN. It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week violates the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and future permit approvals.

Once the conditions are added to the study permit, students can apply for a SIN. They can do this online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. The application process requires specific documents, which are outlined on the SIN required documents page. It is crucial to protect personal information during the application process by not leaving devices unattended.

After receiving a SIN, students can start working in insurable employment. They must provide their SIN to their employer and ensure it remains valid by updating it if their study or work permit expires or if their immigration status changes.

Students can work up to 24 hours per week during term time

International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week during term time without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students can work multiple jobs to make up these hours, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit and can result in losing student status and being asked to leave the country.

To work off-campus in Canada, international students must be enrolled as full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI). Additionally, they must be in their last semester and not need a full course load to complete their program. Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada, provided they meet the conditions of their study permit, and this does not count towards their 24-hour weekly limit.

During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, international students in Canada can work an unlimited number of hours. They must, however, be full-time students both before and after the break to be eligible for full-time work during the break.

International students in Canada can also work on-campus jobs in addition to off-campus employment, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. It is important to note that certain occupations and employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, which will be stated on the study permit.

While the current limit allows students to work up to 24 hours per week, this is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. This change was implemented to balance students' need to work and focus on their studies.

Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks or overtime

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the student visa conditions, and students can lose their student status and may have to leave the country.

Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks. To be eligible to work during scheduled breaks, students must be full-time students both before and after the break. Students can work full-time during breaks without a work permit if they meet the following requirements: they are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), they are in the last semester of their study program, and they do not need a full course load to complete their program.

Students can also work full-time during scheduled breaks with a work permit. To obtain a work permit, students must meet the following requirements: they were already able to work off-campus during their previous studies, they have a valid study permit or have applied to extend their study permit before it expired, they received written confirmation from their current school that they completed their program, and they received a letter of acceptance to a new full-time study program at a DLI that will start within 150 calendar days of receiving confirmation of completion of the previous program.

It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding international student work permits and work hours may change over time. Students should always refer to the official government websites and their specific study permit conditions for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Students can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada after graduation

International students who graduate from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada after graduation. The PGWP is an open work permit that allows graduates to work for any employer, in any industry, for as many hours as they wish, anywhere in Canada. This provides a great opportunity for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can later help them become eligible for Canadian permanent residency.

To be eligible for a PGWP, a foreign national must be at least 18 years old and have studied full-time in Canada in a program of at least 8 months at a DLI. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program, the level of the program, and the validity of the applicant's passport. For example, if an individual completed a 9-month program, they may receive a work permit for up to 9 months, or it could be valid for up to 3 years. It is important to note that a PGWP cannot be obtained if the applicant has previously held one after completing an earlier program of study.

To apply for a PGWP, individuals must submit their application within 180 days of completing their study program. If applying from within Canada, they must have valid status at the time of application. If their study permit has expired or is expiring, they may apply for status as a visitor before applying for the PGWP. The processing time for a PGWP can vary, ranging from 80 to 180 days. During this waiting period, applicants are allowed to work in Canada as long as they applied before the expiry date of their student permit.

It is worth noting that certain language and field of study requirements must be met for international students applying for a PGWP. For those who graduated from a college program or other ineligible programs, proof of English or French language skills with a minimum level of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French across all four language areas is required. Additionally, international students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit during their studies, providing an opportunity to gain initial work experience in the country.

Frequently asked questions