Study
Working While Studying
Canada has a generous Immigration policy that allows the family member of the International student to come to Canada to study or work.
Overview
Canadian government introduced some changes in Canadian study permits in 2014 and grants authorization to international students to work while studying in Canada. Study permits allow students to work 20 hrs per week during regular school sessions and undertake full-time employment during scheduled breaks.
As of November 15, 2022, a temporary measure was taken that allows students to work over 20 hrs per week and is only valid till December 2023
Working While Studying
Work off-campus
You can work off campus with a valid study permit for an employer regardless of the institution you are registered with.
Eligibility requirements to work off-campus
Eligibility criteria to work off campus during your studies are-
- Have a valid study permit
- Must have a Social Insurance Number(SIN)
- Must be studying full-time at a Designated Learning Institute(DLI)
- Must be studying in a program that lasts for at least 6 months or more and leads to a degree, diploma or certificates
- Have started studying and remain in satisfactory academic standings as determine by their institution.
If an international student’s situation changes and he or she no longer meets any of the above eligibility requirements, he or she must stop working off-campus.
An international student can still work off-campus even if he/she didn’t meet the above requirement only if he/she -
- Was registered as a full-time student since the beginning of the study
- Studying as part-time because it is their last semester and doesn’t need to attend the full-time course to finish their study program.
Ineligibility
The following international students are not eligible to work off-campus:
- Students enrolled in an English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) program
- Students taking a general interest course or program
- Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution.
Working While Studying
Work on-campus
It means working inside the Campus of the institution where he/she is registered.
Eligibility requirements to work on-campus
Eligibility criteria to work on campus during your studies are-
- Have a valid study permit
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Must be registered as a full-time post-secondary student
- Private Canadian school that can grant a degree under provincial law
- Public post-secondary schools such as college or University in Quebec
- A private College level School that operates under same rules as public and at least half of the college is funded by the government in Quebec.
Verify your NOC skill level
If you want to stay longer in Canada, you’ll require work experience, so that you can work after your studies. make sure you choose to work in an Occupation which falls under National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skill level that matches the skilled worker immigration program you are interested in. Stream worker programs are generally categorized as “High”, “intermediate”, and “lower” skilled.
Work as a co-op student or intern
It’s a separate work permit unrelated to authorization to work part-time that is generally included in a Canadian study permit. It can only be used for work which is essential for a study program. You have to apply for a co-op work permit separately if the study program you chose requires a mandatory work placement or an internship. An individual applying for a co-op work permit must hold a valid study permit.
Please consult your program advisor if you’re unsure about applying for a co-op work permit.
Post-Graduation work permits
The PGWP is an open work permit, that allows international students to work for a Canadian employer without any job offer. It helps in gaining work experience and also helps in increasing the CRS score. A major benefit of PGWP is, it enables international students to gain work experience and this experience is very helpful when PGWP holders apply for Canadian immigration.PGWP is valid for 3 yrs but the actual length depends upon the individual’s study program.
FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
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