Work while studying in Canada

Do you want to work while you study in Canada? Do you have a spouse or common-law partner who would like to work during your time here? Both of you may be able to work while you study in Canada. Working in Canada can help you get practical work experience and build your network. It may even help you stay and work in Canada after your studies.

Work while studying

Most international students are eligible to work while studying in Canada without a work permit. To be sure, check the eligibility criteria from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

There are different requirements for working on campus and off campus:

• “On campus” refers to all the buildings on your university or college campus.
• “Off campus” means the parts of your town or city that are not part of the university or college campus.

Student work placements

If your study program includes a student work placement (co-op placement, internship or practicum), you may be authorized to complete this work as part of your study permit without needing a separate co-op work permit.

For example, you may be enrolled in a co-op degree program in clean energy and sustainability. This differs from the standard degree because it allows you to spend 3 or 4 months (or more) each year working in your field of study. It’s a great way to get hands-on professional experience in a Canadian work setting.

As a post-secondary student, you can participate in student work placements without an additional permit if you meet all the following conditions:

• You have a valid study permit with a condition that says you’re allowed to work on campus
• Working is integrated into your study program that is at least 6 months long, at a post-secondary level in a degree, diploma or certificate program
• You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
• You have a letter from your school confirming the work requirement
• Your co-op or internship is 50% or less of the total study program
• Based on the type of work required in your study program, you may also need a social insurance number (SIN).

You are not eligible for a student work placement and will need to get a valid work permit if you are studying:

• English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL)
• General interest courses
• Courses to prepare you for another study program
• Courses at an institution outside of Canada

Help your spouse or common-law partner work in Canada

Do you have a spouse or common-law partner who would like to work in Canada while you study? Find out who can get a work permit as the spouse or common-law partner of a student from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

Get experience with Mitacs

Gain experience beyond your academic institution and increase your employability and professional networks with Mitacs. Through Mitacs’s programs, post-secondary students and recent graduates can find:

• Paid collaborative projects with Canadian companies and non-profit organizations
• Research opportunities and connections
• Professional skills training programs
• Career development opportunities
• Funding for student-led eligible start-ups

For over 20 years, Mitacs has nurtured talent through innovation internships allowing students and postdocs to apply their academic skills to solving real-world problems.

Learn more

• Permits and visas for international students
• Work in Canada after your studies
• Paths to permanent residency and immigration
• Prepare your budget to study in Canada