Work While You Study in Canada

• Dec 11 2023
• ImmiEd Global

International students with study permits usually can work part-time. While most study permits allow international students to work part-time, certain situations may restrict or permit work opportunities. For instance, study permits for programs lasting less than six months or those with specified employment restrictions may not grant employment authorization.

There are certain situations where international students in Canada can continue working despite not taking a full-time course load:
In the final semester of their study program, students might not need to enroll in a full set of courses to complete their studies. During this time, they may still be allowed to work.

Additionally, after fulfilling all the necessary coursework for their degree, students might be eligible to work even if they are not enrolled in a full-time academic schedule.

These exceptions allow students to work without meeting the typical full-time study requirements. Still, they must comply with the specific conditions set by their study program.

It's crucial to note that any violation or invalidation of the study permit could immediately terminate the privilege to work in Canada, potentially impacting future Canadian immigration prospects. Therefore, adhering to the terms outlined in the study permit is imperative for international students to maintain their legal status in Canada.

Social Insurance Number for Working in Canada

Everyone needs a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work legally in Canada. International students who want to work in Canada must apply for a SIN first. They can apply at Service Canada by going there or sending an application by mail.

International students who wish to work in Canada must obtain a SIN before starting any job. Applications for a SIN can be made in person or by mail through Service Canada.

However, specific conditions are mentioned on an international student's study permit that must be met to apply for a SIN. These conditions must be outlined on the study permit or requested to be added if absent. The necessary conditions for a study permit to be eligible for a Social Insurance Number are as follows:

1. Permission to work on the institution's campus where the student is enrolled in full-time studies.
2. Authorization to work either on or off campus if meeting the eligibility criteria as specified in R186(f), (v), or (w).

Students must ensure these conditions are present on their study permits to qualify for a SIN, allowing them to work within the guidelines stipulated by their study permits and Canadian regulations.

Work permits for international students

Before changes were introduced in 2014, student work permits in Canada were categorized into two types:

1. Off-campus work permits: These permits allow students to work outside their educational institution, enabling them to work in various locations away from their school campus.
2. On-campus work permits: This type permits students to work solely within the buildings or premises of their school campus.

However, with new regulations in 2014, most study permits for international students typically permit authorization to work both on- and off-campus. Nevertheless, there might be exceptional cases where specific restrictions apply to working on- or off-campus for international students.

The study permit guides an international student's employment authorization, specifying the locations where the student can or cannot accept employment. Suppose an international student believes they need to work during their study program, but this permission isn't explicitly stated on their study permit. In that case, they may request an update to their permit before starting to work. This ensures compliance with the regulations and avoids potential issues regarding their work authorization status.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

PGWP is an authorization for international students who have completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to stay in the country for a specific period after graduation. It is an open work permit that allows students to work for any employer in Canada during this time.

Having Canadian work experience through this permit can be beneficial for qualifying for Canadian PR.

Typically, individuals may apply for PR through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class or specific Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) driven by an employer's nomination. This work experience gained after graduation plays a significant role in fulfilling the requirements for these immigration programs.

It's crucial to be aware that not all programs offered at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) qualify for PGWP. Therefore, verifying the PGWP eligibility criteria for the chosen program is highly recommended before enrolling.

Work Permits for Co-op and Internship Students

In Canada, some educational programs mandate students to engage in paid or unpaid co-op or internship work placements as part of their studies. International students enrolled in these programs have the option to apply for a co-op or intern work permit, provided they meet specific requirements:

1. The student holds a valid study permit.
2. Working is an integral and mandatory component of the study program.
3. The student possesses a letter from their school affirming that all students in the program must complete work placements to obtain their degree.
4. The co-op or internship constitutes 50% or less of the total program of study.
5. The program of study is not an English/French language course, a general interest course, or a preparatory course for another study program.

If a student meets these criteria, they can apply for a co-op or intern work permit online or through a paper-based application. Suppose the initial acceptance letter from the school mentions the requirement for a co-op or internship, and the student includes this detail in their application for a Canadian study permit; authorities will process both the study permit and the work permit simultaneously. This allows students to study and work for their co-op or internship at the same time.

We at ImmiEd Global assist individuals seeking support in various aspects of immigration, including study permits, post-study pathways, PGWPs, and navigating different immigration requirements. Our services from imminent immigration lawyers aim to facilitate a smoother immigration process, ensuring you receive the necessary guidance and support.