Can I Work while Studying in Canada?

As an international student in Canada, you can work while studying, but there are certain conditions and restrictions depending on the type of work. Here are the options available:

 1. **On-Campus Work**

   - **Eligibility**:

•      Must have a valid study permit.

•      Must be a full-time student at a **designated learning institution (DLI)**.

   - **Working Hours**: There are no restrictions on how many hours you can work on campus.

   - **Types of Jobs**: You can work for the school, a faculty member, or a student organization, or even run a business on the campus. International student services at many Canadian universities and colleges provide specific on-campus work programs for their international students. For example:

• University of Alberta’s ISSEP for international students

• Western University’s Work Study Program

• University of Waterloo’s International Work Study Program

When international student’s ask about financial aid in Canada, these work programs are one kind of financial aid programs Canadian universities and colleges put together for their international students who need every opportunity to cover their education expenses while studying in Canada.

 2. **Off-Campus Work**

   - **Eligibility**:

•      Must have a valid study permit.

•      Must be a full-time student in a program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate at a DLI.

   - **Working Hours**:

     - Up to **24 hours per week** during regular academic sessions.

     - **Full-time** during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, or spring break.

   - **Note**: You don't need a separate work permit to work off-campus under these conditions, but if you exceed the allowed hours, it could negatively affect your study permit. The University of Windsor has documented the differences and conditions for on/off campus employment. As an international student, you will want to check them out here.

 3. **Co-op or Internship Work Permit**

   - **Eligibility**:

•      Your study program includes a co-op or internship as part of the curriculum.

•      You need a separate **Co-op/Internship Work Permit** to engage in this type of work.

   - **Validity**: This permit is valid only for the duration of the co-op or internship and allows full-time work in that position. If the co-op/internship program is mentioned on your LOA (Letter of Admission) from the university or college, then you will need to mention your need for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit when you apply for your study permit. If it is an optional component to a program, then international students will be able to get assistance and information from an International Student Services office on campus. Most Canadian colleges and universities have licensed IRCC visa advisors on staff.

 4. **Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)**

   - **Overview**: After completing your study program, you can apply for a **Post-Graduation Work Permit** to gain Canadian work experience.

   - **Eligibility**:

•      Must have completed a study program at a DLI that was at least eight months long.

   - **Working While Waiting for PGWP**:

     - You are allowed to work full-time while waiting for your PGWP decision, as long as you applied for it before your study permit expired. For the most current and accurate information, it is always best to visit the Canadian government’s PGWP site.

 5. **Work as a Research or Teaching Assistant**

   - If you are enrolled in a graduate-level program (e.g., a master’s or PhD), you can work as a **research or teaching assistant**. This work is often considered on-campus work but may have different stipulations.

 Important Considerations:

   - **Maintaining Academic Standing**: To keep the right to work while studying, you must maintain full-time student status at your institution and continue making satisfactory progress in your program.

   - **Work Permit Exemptions**: Certain short-term programs or exchanges might have different rules about working. Please makes sure to contact your International Student’s office for accurate information on work permit limitations.

These various options provide flexibility and numerous opportunities for international students, allowing you to successfully support yourself financially while pursuing your studies in Canada.