Can you work while studying in Canada? Yes, but you need to meet certain requirements for that. The Government of Canada introduced changes to the terms and conditions that apply to study permits in 2014. With these changes, many international students have permission to work while studying in Canada. In addition, full-time international students can work for up to 20 hours a week when schools are open and take up full-time employment during the breaks.
It is also important to note that an international student cannot start working while studying in Canada unless the study course has commenced.
However, in some cases, the study permit will not allow an international student to work while pursuing studies in Canada, such as:
- When the study permit is for a course that is less than six months in duration
- The study permit specifies that the student holding the permit has restrictions when it comes to employment.
- Similarly, international students can work 20 hours a week even if they are not enrolled in full-time study programs.
- The student is currently in the last semester of a study program, and the full-time course load is absent as part of the requirements to complete the program.
- The student is pursuing graduate study and has already completed all the requirements as regards the coursework.
This can assist the international student in providing for themselves as well as meeting new people. This can prove to be valuable during a job hunt later on.
In cases where the study permit becomes invalid, the international student loses all authorization and has to stop working immediately. If an international student works without any legal authorization, they stand a chance of earning a ban on their immigration application.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Any international student who wants to work in Canada should first apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It is compulsory for any person who is working in Canada to have a SIN. The student can submit the SIN application in person or send it in by mail. The following conditions (1 or 2 or both) need to be present in the application form:
- The student may accept employment on the institution’s campus (where they are registered for full-time studies)
- The student may accept on-or off-campus employment (if the student meets all eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations)
If these conditions are not yet included in the study permit, the student can request their addition.
Differences Between Off-Campus and On-Campus Work Permits:
Before the changes in 2014, study work permits were of two types: off-campus and on-campus types.
- Off-campus work permits allowed students to work anywhere outside of their educational institution.
- On-campus work permits allowed students to work only inside their educational campus premises.
For most work permits, the new regulations allow international students to work both on and off-campus.The authorization for the international student is clearly stated on the work permit. The work permit also clearly lists employment authorization and where the student can or not accept employment. Suppose a student desires to work during their study program, which is not explicitly mentioned on the permit. In that case, it is the student’s responsibility to get the work permit updated before venturing to take up employment.
PG (Post Graduation) Work Permit
This work permit allows any international student who has graduated from a DLI (Designated Learning Institution) to remain in Canada after their study period is over. The postgraduate student can work anywhere in the country for any employer for up to 3 years. However, only some programs at the DLI are eligible for a PG work permit. The student should apply within 180 days of receiving the confirmation of completion of the program for the PGWP.
Before enrolling in a study program, any international post-graduate student at the DLI who wishes to work should check their PGWP eligibility. The PG open work permit allows the student to work for any Canadian employer. In addition, this work experience can help an applicant qualify for permanent residence via the PNP or Canadian Experience Class program.
Co-Op Students and Interns – Work Permits
Students who are doing study courses requiring them to complete paid/unpaid Co-op/internship work experience for formal completion of the program are free to apply for a Co-op/intern work permit. But, they have to meet some specific conditions:
- The student must have a valid study permit in the first place.
- The study program should have a work component as a compulsory part of the course.
- The student should produce a supporting letter from the study institution, which states that the student should complete work requirements to get a degree formally.
- The Co-op/internship period makes up for less than 50% of the study course.
The study program cannot include the following:
- English/French as a second language course
- A general interest course
- A course that helps to prepare for another study program
On meeting all the criteria mentioned above, the student can apply for the work permit on paper or online via the website.
In cases where the institution indicates the need for a Co-op/internship in the initial letter of acceptance, and if the international student applicant includes the letter in the application for the Canadian study permit, the authorities process the work and the study permits together.
The student can apply for a Co-op work permit after obtaining the study permit on paper or online via the website. Again, the university/college will help out with this because the placement is part of the study program.
At ImmiLaw Immigration our Canadian immigration lawyers can help you to secure a work permit if you are an international student in Canada. We can also fast-track your study and work permit applications and make submissions on your behalf. You may contact our office at 613-276-1454. You can also send your query to us at info@immilawimmigration.com. We will schedule a consultation for you with one of our immigration lawyers.
