Working While Studying in Canada

If you are enrolled full time with a Designated Canadian Post-secondary Institute and have any type or duration of Study permit, you can work “ On Campus’’ without a work permit. But your course should not include any Language related general programs which more than 50% of your total study duration.

For “On Campus” you don’t need a work permit even if if your program is for less than 6 months and you comply all other condition as mentioned above. But Off Campus, you are allowed to work for 20 Hours per week during academic sessions and Full time (40 Hours per week) during holidays.

Also if your study program include any Co-op or Intern which is essential part of your academic program even if you have a valid study permit but you still need an Employee specific Work permit. In this case normally the Institute is considered as an employer while issuing work permit with study permit. So, for any type or duration of Study program in which Co-op or Intern is essential part of the program, you need a Work permit. Otherwise you will not be able to compete that program. Normally it is the duty of Institute to arrange this work permit so that you can complete your course in time.

Additionally, spouses and common-law partners of foreign students are eligible for a Open Work Permit for the duration similar to study permit.

Upon graduation, a student must apply under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program within 90 days after written confirmation of completion of your course is received. Under this program, you may get work permit up to a maximum of three years.

You need to apply for extension if your study permit will expire before you graduate.