Janice Lozano
Canada is a popular study destination, with over 500,000 international students enrolling in 2020. For international students, there are many well-paid jobs available in Canada, both during and after studies. To work in Canada, international students must meet certain requirements and may need a work permit. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, with different rules applying to each. Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit, as long as they are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI). On-campus jobs do not require a work permit, but students must meet certain conditions. After graduation, international students can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), but they must do so within 180 days of graduating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | Up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit |
| Work permits | Not required for on-campus jobs as long as you meet the conditions; off-campus jobs may not require a work permit if you're a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) |
| Graduate jobs | Possible if you apply for a work permit or PGWP before your study permit expires, or if you enrol in a new study program at a DLI |
| Government programs | Federal Student Work Experience Program, Research Affiliate Program |
| Co-op or internship | Requires a valid work permit; internships provide on-the-job training and are supervised |
| Wages | Minimum wage ranges from $14-$19 per hour, depending on the province or territory |
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What You'll Learn
Working on campus vs. off campus
International students in Canada can work both on and off campus while studying, provided they meet certain conditions.
Working on Campus
To work on campus, international students must have a valid study permit that includes the condition that they can work off-campus. They do not need a separate work permit to work on campus. There is no limit to the number of hours they can work on campus, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. On-campus work includes any job within the boundaries of the campus where the student is enrolled. This could be working for the university (e.g. in the library or bookstore) or for a private business located on campus (e.g. a coffee shop or restaurant).
Working off Campus
Students can work off campus without a work permit if they meet certain requirements. They must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), and they must be in their last semester of their study program, not needing a full course load to complete it. As of November 8, 2024, students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students with a study permit that allows them to work off campus can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. However, working more than 24 hours a week during the regular academic year is a violation of the student's permit conditions, and they may lose their student status and be asked to leave the country.
Both on and off-campus work options are available to international students in Canada, with some differences in requirements and working hours. Students must carefully consider their study permit conditions and eligibility criteria to ensure they comply with the regulations and maintain their student status.
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Work permits and eligibility
International students in Canada may be eligible to work on-campus or off-campus while studying and after graduation. However, specific criteria and requirements must be met to obtain a work permit.
On-campus work
International students with a valid study permit and enrolled as full-time students in a degree/diploma/certificate program may work on campus without an additional work permit. The study permit must include a condition authorizing the student to work on-campus, and there is no time limit for on-campus work. A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for all students with a job offer, whether on or off-campus, to receive earnings and benefits.
Off-campus work
Off-campus work without a work permit is allowed for up to 24 hours per week, provided the student meets specific requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), studying during regular school sessions or an intensive program with no planned breaks, and being in the last semester of the study program.
Post-graduation work
International students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The application must be made within 180 days of receiving final marks, and eligibility includes maintaining full-time student status during each semester except the final one. The PGWP allows students to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
Co-op and internship work
International students can work as part of a co-op or internship program only if the work is an essential part of an academic, professional, or vocational training program offered by a Designated Learning Institution. A valid study permit and co-op work permit are required, and the work cannot exceed 50% of the total program of study.
Work eligibility
To be eligible for any work permit, international students must meet specific criteria, including having a valid study permit, maintaining full-time student status, and complying with the conditions of their study permit. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in losing student status and future study or work permit approvals.
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Graduate jobs and post-graduation work permits
International students in Canada can work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of their study programme. Students must also ensure that they don't need a full course load to complete their programme.
If you intend to work more than 24 hours per week off-campus, you will need a work permit. To obtain one, you must apply online and include a personalised checklist with the Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709). You must also submit a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your study permit.
After graduating, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to continue working in Canada. To be eligible, you must have completed a study programme at a PGWP-eligible designated learning institution that was at least eight months long (or 900 hours for Quebec programmes). Additionally, you must have maintained full-time student status during each semester of your programme, although part-time studies during the final semester are permitted. Your application for the PGWP must be submitted within 180 days of confirming that you completed your programme, and your study permit must have been valid at some point during this 180-day period.
The duration of your PGWP will depend on the length of your study programme. If your programme was eight months long, your PGWP will be valid for eight months as well. The PGWP is typically valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your eligible study programme. It's important to note that your PGWP will only be issued for the period that your passport is valid. If your passport expires before the full duration of your eligibility, you can apply for an extension by submitting a new passport that covers the entire period of your eligibility.
There are no specific field of study requirements for graduates with a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree. However, you must provide proof of your English or French language skills, achieving a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French across all four language areas.
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Internships and work placements
As an international student in Canada, you may be allowed to get some hands-on work experience alongside your study program. Depending on your course of study, an internship or co-op placement might be a necessary part of your curriculum. Both internships and co-op placements provide you with work experience that aligns with your academic program. An internship or co-op placement in Canada introduces you to the Canadian workplace and gives you an opportunity to apply your skills in a practical setting. It is a great way to build your network, get some valuable work experience, and increase your employability in the Canadian job market.
To land an internship in Canada, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements. There may be specific requirements for things like language level (English or French), academic major, or ability to secure a visa. You will also need to prepare your application materials, which may include updating your resume (CV), crafting a cover letter, gathering work for your portfolio, and/or writing a personal statement. Your future employer or program provider may ask for copies of your academic transcripts and letters of recommendation.
International students will need a proper internship work visa for both paid and unpaid internships. You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if you meet the following conditions:
- You have a valid study permit.
- You are required to work to complete your study program in Canada.
- You have a letter from your school confirming that all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree.
- Your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program.
Many universities offer dedicated resources to help students find co-op placements. Speak to your academic counsellor or contact your DLI's career services centre to find out how they can help. Support from your university may include access to co-op placement opportunities, job boards, or resources for resume building and interview preparation.
Some popular cities for internships in Canada include Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Toronto offers internship opportunities in almost every industry, with top fields including business, media, technology, and the performing arts. Vancouver is great for internships in tourism and hospitality, entertainment, and tech. Montreal is ideal for French speakers who want to do an internship in a foreign language.
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Job listings and where to find them
International students in Canada can work on or off campus, but there are different requirements for each. On-campus jobs for international students do not require a work permit, but you must meet the following conditions: you are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), and your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You can ask for this to be added to your study permit free of charge. Announcements for on-campus jobs may be found in university halls or specially designated areas.
Off-campus jobs for international students do not require a work permit either, but only if you and your employer ensure that this is possible before you take the job. As with on-campus jobs, you must be a full-time student at a DLI. From November 8, 2024, students will be allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. You can work more than one job to make up these hours, as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.
If you are working during a break, such as the summer or winter holidays, you can work unlimited hours, but you must be a full-time student both before and after the break.
The government is a top employer for students and offers the Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program. However, these programs are first looking at Canadian students who meet the job criteria.
To work in Canada, you will need a SIN, which is a nine-digit number given to you by the Government of Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit. During breaks, they can work unlimited hours, provided they are full-time students both before and after the break.
To work in Canada as an international student, you must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). You will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is a 9-digit number provided by the Government of Canada. Additionally, ensure that your study permit includes a condition that allows you to work on or off campus. If it doesn't, you can request to have this condition added at no cost.
There are various job opportunities available for international students in Canada. The Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program are two government initiatives that offer part-time jobs related to your field of study. Additionally, you can explore on-campus job announcements at your university or look for off-campus employment opportunities.
