Working While Studying in Canada

Foreign/International students with a valid study permit may work on- or off-campus while studying in Canada.

In order to be eligible to work during their studies, international students must:

• Hold a valid Study Permit.
• Be studying at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level (a list of participating institutions can be found here.).
• Remain in satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution; and
• Be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.

International students in Canada must stop working on the day they no longer meet the above eligibility requirements (e.g., if they are no longer a full-time student during an academic session), unless otherwise authorized to do so by having applied for a work permit.

The following international students are not eligible to work off-campus:

• Students enrolled in an English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language program;
• Students taking a general interest course or program; and
• Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution.

Once the international student graduates, a Post-Graduation Work Permit may be obtained.

Co-op Work Permits

International students pursuing a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada that requires a mandatory work placement or internship must apply for a co-op work permit in addition to a Canada Study Permit.