Work while studying in Canada

Anyone working in Canada is required to have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). It means that any international student who wishes to work in Canada must first obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Applications for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) can be submitted to Service Canada (a government agency) in person or by mail. However, to apply for a SIN, your study permit must have particular details. One or all of the conditions specified below must be stated in the permit. If certain restrictions are not stated on your permit, you should simply request to add them. The following prerequisites must be met to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN):

• May accept employment on the campus of the institution where you are enrolled full-time.

• May accept employment on or off-campus if you meet the eligibility standards outlined in R186 (f), (v), or (w).

Off-campus and on-campus work permits

Before the amendments that were implemented in 2014, student work permits were classified into two types:

• Students with off-campus work permits are allowed to work anywhere outside of their college.

• Students with on-campus work permits could only work in their school campus buildings.

The vast majority of study permits now allow Indian students to work both on and off-campus, under the new regulations. However, at times, you might face some restrictions when working on or off-campus. The permit will specify the student's working authorization, including where the student can and cannot work. If you believe that you will be able to work during your studies but your authorization is not indicated on your study permit, you should request to change the permit before starting any job.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A post-graduation employment permit allows an international student, who has graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI), to stay in Canada for a particular length of time after completing their studies. It is a work permit that allows you to work for any employer in Canada. Work experience in Canada can also assist you to qualify for a Canadian permanent residence, usually through the Canadian Experience Class or an employer-driven Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Please keep in mind that some of the DLI programs are NOT qualified for a post-graduation work permit. Before enrolling in a program, ensure that you are eligible for the PGWP.

Work Permits for Co-Op and Interning Students

Certain educational institutions in Canada require students to complete a paid or unpaid co-op or internship work placement, as a part of their program. International students participating in these programs are eligible to apply for a co-op or intern work permit if they meet the following criteria:

• The student has a valid study permit.

• Working is a component of the academic program.

• The student has received a letter from his/her school indicating that all the students in the program are required to undergo work placements to receive their degrees.

• The co-op or internship accounts for 50% or less of the overall program of study.

• The study program cannot include English/French as a second language, general interest courses, or courses to prepare for another study program.

If a student fits the aforementioned conditions, he or she can apply for a co-op or intern work visa online or on paper. 

It is important to note that, if the school states the requirement for a co-op or internship in the first letter of acceptance and this is included in your original application for a Canadian study permit, the work permit will be processed at the same time as the student permit.

Fulfill your Study in Canada and Canadian permanent residence dream with Nationwide Visas

Nationwide Visas is well-known for its immigration counseling services, which assist domestic candidates in gaining admission to their desired program/university and reaching their desired study, work, or travel abroad country. Our skilled immigration counselors are eager to assist you in every possible manner to accomplish your Canadian permanent residence ambition.

If you need more information on work while studying in Canada prospects, visit our branches or give us a call.