How to Get a Work Permit for International Students in Canada
International students who want to work in Canada during their studies can apply for an off-campus work permit. Click the link below to apply:
This permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during your regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the summer holidays and winter break.
Getting an off-campus work permit in Canada gives you the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience and earn money that can help pay for school or living expenses as well as travel opportunities.
SEE: International Scholarship Opportunities for Non-Canadians 2022
Work permits are issued through Citizenship and Immigration Canada, so you need to make sure you meet all of the requirements before applying.
When you can Get a Work Permit
Most international students studying in Canada are eligible to work on campus. You can also apply for off-campus work if you are a full-time student at an accredited English or French language school or college, or if you’ve completed at least one year of study and have graduated from your program.
It’s important to note that even if you meet these requirements, not all international students will be eligible for work permits.
There is a specific set of criteria that must be met based on your program type and length of study.
For example, post-graduate students may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), which allows them to stay in Canada and continue working after they graduate.
What kind of job you can do
In general, you’re eligible to work on-campus if you hold a valid study permit and can prove that your program lasts at least six months.
On-campus work is generally limited to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions (you might be able to work more than 20 hours per week if you’re involved in co-op or internship programs).
Off-campus work is subject to more restrictions: You must hold an off-campus work permit, you can only be employed by one employer at any given time and your employment must relate directly to your studies.
If you don’t yet have a study permit but will be attending university in September, apply now – several months lead time is generally required.
What you need to apply
In order to obtain a work permit as an international student, you must apply through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).
In addition to your completed application form, you will need two passport photos, proof of enrollment at your college or university, and documentation showing that you have enough money (CAD$3,975) available.
You should also make sure that your program has been verified by HRSDC’s Designated Learning Institution (DLI) Program.
Your school should be able to tell you if it has been certified by DLI or direct you towards its website where they can provide more information about their status.
Where and how to apply
Before you can start work, you must apply for a work permit. You may submit your application online or send it by mail.
The best way to ensure your documents are processed quickly is by submitting them online; however, if you’re having trouble with one of the forms, please visit an Application Support Centre in person to complete and submit your application.
Tips to increase your chances
Getting a work permit is an important first step on your path toward finding employment after you graduate.
And although some schools offer assistance with processing your paperwork, you can increase your chances of being approved by following these few tips.
- Apply early. If you’re applying from outside of Canada, you must apply for a study permit before arriving at school. In addition to your study permit application, submit an application for a work permit within 90 days of arrival or risk having your study-permit status revoked.
- Have something to show employers. You’ll need two pieces of evidence that demonstrate that Canadian employers want to hire international students:
Job offers and, testimonials from current employees who are willing to vouch for you as a worker.
The best way to get both? Attend career fairs and networking events hosted by universities and local businesses—they’re great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and have them put their support behind your application.
