Work in Canada While Studying

Living and studying in Canada is cheaper and of a higher quality, which is one of the main reasons international students choose Canada as their study destination. Working while studying helps you support yourself and build connections by meeting new people. Having to work and study at the same time requires a high level of planning and prioritizing skills.

Working while studying gives students a sense of independence and maturity while gaining valuable work experience at an early age.

Can I Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes, you can work while studying in Canada if you have a valid study permit. When you start your study program, you can start working. Until your studies begin, you can’t work. If you work while studying in Canada without qualifying, you will have to leave the country. You can work on or off-campus depending on the information on your study permit.

On Campus Work

On-Campus Work means you can work at the buildings in your school, such as the library, research facility, or the hospital. You can work on your school campus without a work permit if:

• You’re a full-time post-secondary student at a public or private school.
• You have a valid study permit.
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

You can’t work on campus if you stop studying full-time, your study permit expires, you’re switching schools, or you’re not currently studying.

An on-campus employer can be the school, a faculty member, a student organization, yourself if you run a physically located on campus, a private business, or a private contractor that provides on-campus services to the school.

Off-Campus Work

Off-campus work is any work that takes place outside the university you’re attending.

A work permit is not required if you are eligible for off-campus work. If you meet all the requirements, you can work up to 20 hours a week during the school semester. In addition, during school holidays, you’re free to work overtime.

You can work off-campus without a work permit if:

• You’re enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution.
• You’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic program.
• Your study program is at least six months long and leads to a degree.
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Co-op or Internships

In general, academic internships are unpaid, while co-ops are mostly paid. However, the curriculum of some study programs includes work experience.

You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if:

• You have a valid study permit.
• Work is required to complete your program of study.
• You have a letter from your school confirming all students in your program must complete work placements to earn their degree.
• Your co-op or internship makes up less than 50 per cent or less of your study program.

If you’re taking one of these courses, you don’t qualify for a co-op or internship:

• English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL)
• General intern courses
• Courses to prepare for another study program

You will need a work permit to work in Canada if you are not eligible for a co-op work permit.

How Much Can I Earn in Canada While Studying?

The amount you earn as a student will depend on your work hours.

Student salaries in Canada are equal to the minimum wage rate of$10.25 – $15 per hour, which amounts to about $400-$1,000 per month.

Can I Work in Canada After I Graduate?

After you complete your study program, there are two ways you may be able to work full-time:

1. You already applied for a work permit before your study permit expired.
2. You’re starting a new study program.

After you graduate, you can continue living and working in Canada with the help of PGWP (Post Graduate Work Permit). This open work permit allows you to work most types of jobs anywhere in Canada.

Eligibility criteria to get a PGWP are:

1. Completion of Diploma or Certificate Program that is at least eight months long.
2. You studied with full-time status throughout your program.

Generally, a PGWP lasts between eight months and three years, depending on your program. A three-year PGWP is available to those who complete a four-year Bachelor’s degree. After you have completed all program requirements, you can apply after receiving your Letter of Completion.

Social Insurance Number (SIN)

The government of Canada provides you with a nine-digit Social Insurance Number.

In Canada, you can’t work without a Social Insurance Number. Government agencies use your SIN number to identify you. You will need it to pay taxes, access government programs and benefits. In addition, employers require you to provide your Canadian Social Insurance Number when you start a job. There is no fee to apply for a SIN.

To apply for a Social Insurance Number to work on campus, you must have one of these conditions printed on your study permit:

• May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria.
• This permit does not authorize the holder to engage in off-campus employment in Canada. May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria.

If you’re eligible to work on campus, but these conditions aren’t included in your study permit, you can ask to have them added. There’s no fee to add these conditions to your permit.