Studying Part-Time In Canada: Options For International Students

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they are full-time students at a designated learning institution. However, for international students who wish to study part-time, there may be immigration impacts and consequences regarding their legal ability to work in Canada, eligibility to stay in residence, and financial aid. It is recommended that international students consult with an International Student Advisor and the relevant departments at their university to discuss the potential implications of part-time enrollment.

Impact on work eligibility and work permits

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, they must meet other requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of their study program. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals.

For those who are part of a co-op program at a college or university, a co-op work permit and a valid study permit are required to work. The work must be integrated into the study program, and the student's program must require work placements for degree completion. Additionally, the co-op or internship must constitute 50% or less of the total program of study.

To be eligible for a work permit under a co-op or internship program, specific conditions must be met. These include possessing a valid study permit, having employment that is an essential part of a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, and having employment certified as part of the academic program by a responsible academic official.

Studying part-time may impact work eligibility and work permits. For instance, at Simon Fraser University, part-time enrollment can impact the legal ability to work in Canada. Studying part-time during the Fall and/or Spring terms may also affect eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) since the IRCC requires full-time study in all academic terms to qualify. However, studying part-time in the Summer term does not impact work eligibility or the post-graduation work permit as long as full-time enrollment is maintained in the Spring and Fall terms.

Impact on financial aid and residence eligibility

International students in Canada are generally allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, this permission is only granted to full-time students. Part-time enrolment can impact your legal ability to work in Canada, and your eligibility for financial aid and residence.

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program offers grants and loans to both full-time and part-time students to help pay for their post-secondary education. However, the amount of financial aid you are eligible for may be impacted by your part-time earnings. When the FAFSA is filed, it takes into account not only parental finances and contributions but also the student's finances. If you earn more than the federal government's student income limits through your part-time job, you can either spend the money before filing the FAFSA or invest it in a 529 college savings account in your parent's name.

Additionally, part-time enrolment may impact your ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). IRCC policy requires you to have studied full-time in all academic terms to qualify for a PGWP. Consult with an International Student Advisor before deciding to study part-time to understand the potential impact on your financial aid, residence eligibility, and future work permit eligibility.

Academic planning and course credits

For instance, at Simon Fraser University, while there is no requirement for undergraduate students to enrol full-time, part-time enrolment can impact a student's legal ability to work in Canada and their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). According to IRCC policy, to qualify for a PGWP, international students must have studied full-time for all academic terms throughout their program. However, students in their final term of studies can be part-time without negatively impacting their work permit eligibility, provided they were continuously enrolled full-time in all other required terms.

Additionally, the number of course credits is significant for maintaining student status and work eligibility. For instance, at the University of British Columbia, enrolling in a minimum of 9 credits in a winter term is considered full-time for immigration purposes. Withdrawing from one or more courses but maintaining at least 9 credits will not have any immigration impacts. Enrolling in fewer than 9 credits will result in being considered part-time, but students can still maintain their student status and remain in Canada as long as their study permit is valid.

International students in Canada should carefully review the specific requirements and regulations of their host institution and the Canadian government to ensure they understand the implications of part-time enrolment on their academic planning and course credits.

Immigration status and study permits

International students intending to study part-time in Canada must consider the immigration impacts. These impacts differ for undergraduate and graduate students. For instance, at Simon Fraser University, undergraduate students can study part-time in the Summer term without affecting their study permit or post-graduation work permit eligibility. However, part-time enrolment in the Fall or Spring terms may impact work permit eligibility. International students at this university are advised to consult with an International Student Advisor or Immigration Specialist before enrolling part-time to understand the implications for their specific situation.

At the University of British Columbia, international students are advised to contact an Academic Advisor to understand the academic and immigration impacts of failing courses or withdrawing from full-time to part-time enrolment. If an international student at this university enrols in a minimum of nine credits in a winter term, they are considered full-time for immigration purposes. Withdrawing from one or more courses but maintaining at least nine credits will not have immigration consequences.

For international students in Canada, part-time enrolment can impact their legal ability to work in the country. To work off-campus, students must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students may lose their student status and future permit eligibility. Students on an authorised leave from their studies or switching schools cannot work off-campus until they resume their studies.

International students in Canada who are part of a co-op program can apply for a co-op work permit if they have a valid study permit, a letter from their institution confirming the requirement of work placements, and their co-op or internship comprises 50% or less of their total program of study.

Co-op and internship work permits

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, if you are planning to work more than 24 hours per week, you will need to apply for a work permit. Working more hours than permitted can result in losing your student status and future permit approvals.

If you are a part of a co-op program at a college or university, you can apply for a co-op work permit. Here are the requirements:

• You have a valid study permit.
• Working is integrated into your study program in Canada.
• You have a letter from your designated learning institution that confirms that all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree.
• Your co-op or internship comprises 50% or less of your total program of study.

If you are applying for a co-op work permit at the same time as your study permit, you can do so by filling out the "Check your Eligibility to Apply Questionnaire" on the Apply Online page of the Immigration Canada website. At the end of the questionnaire, you will receive a personalized document checklist, which will include the "Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada (IMM1294)" form. You will also need to upload supporting documents such as your passport, Co-Op letter, or curriculum from your department.

It is important to note that you cannot submit a co-op work permit application separately from your study permit application if you are applying from outside Canada. Additionally, due to current processing delays, it is recommended that students apply for their co-op/internship work permit six months before their internship starts.

Frequently asked questions