Can students work while studying?

Balancing Books and Work: Opportunities for Students

Canada is a top destination for international students, attracting thousands of students from all around the world each year. While studying in Canada, students may also choose to work to support their living expenses or gain work experience in their field of study. The Canadian government offers several opportunities for international students to work while they study.

The conditions of the Canadian study permit underwent revisions in 2014, according to the Canadian government. With these modifications, the majority of study permits now automatically provide foreign students permission to work while they are studying in Canada. Most Canadian study visas enable full-time overseas students to work up to 20 hours per week when enrolled in classes regularly and to work full-time jobs during vacations from classes. A temporary rule allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week went into effect on November 15, 2022, and it will remain in effect through December 2023.

Benefits of Working While Studying in Canada

Working while studying in Canada has several benefits, such as:

1. Financial support: Canada is a relatively expensive country to live in, and working while studying can help cover some of the expenses. Many students rely on part-time jobs to pay for their living expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other daily expenses.
2. Gain work experience: Working while studying can also provide students with valuable work experience in their field of study. This can help them develop skills that are relevant to their future careers and make them more attractive to potential employers.
3. Networking: Working while studying can also provide students with opportunities to network with professionals in their field of study. This can help them establish connections that may be useful when looking for employment after graduation.

Challenges of Working While Studying in Canada

Working while studying in Canada can also pose some challenges, such as:

1. Time management: Balancing work and studies can be challenging, especially for students who have a heavy workload or are enrolled in a demanding program. Students may have to sacrifice some of their free time to complete their assignments or study for exams.
2. Language barrier: International students whose first language is not English or French may face some difficulties communicating with colleagues and customers in their workplace. This can be challenging, especially if the job requires a high level of communication skills.
3. Eligibility requirements: International students must meet certain eligibility requirements to work in Canada. Failing to meet these requirements can result in their work permit being revoked, which can have serious consequences for their immigration status.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to work while studying in Canada, international students must meet the following requirements:

1. Have a valid study permit: International students must have a valid study permit to work in Canada.
2. Enrolled in a full-time program: International students must be enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution.
3. Meet the eligibility criteria: International students must meet the eligibility criteria for the type of work permit they are applying for.
4. Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN): International students must have a SIN to work in Canada.

What is a SIN number?

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit identification number that is issued to Canadian residents by the Government of Canada. The SIN number is used as a unique identifier for individuals in Canada for tax and other government purposes. If you wish to work in Canada, you must obtain a SIN number.

The SIN number is issued by Service Canada, which is a part of Employment and Social Development Canada. The SIN number is used to track an individual’s income and contributions to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and other government programs.

It is important to keep your SIN number safe and secure, as it is sensitive personal information that can be used for identity theft or fraud. You should not share your SIN number with anyone unless it is required for a legitimate purpose, such as for tax or employment purposes.

Types of Work Permits for International Students

International students in Canada can obtain two types of work permits to work while they study:

1. On-Campus Work Permit: International students can work on campus for their educational institution without a separate work permit. However, students must still have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a full-time program to work on campus.
2. Off-Campus Work Permit: International students can obtain an off-campus work permit to work for any employer outside their educational institution. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. To apply for an off-campus work permit, students must have completed six months of their program and be in good academic standing.

Do all study permits authorize you to work in Canada?

In general, study permits for international students in Canada allow them to work while they study, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. However, there are some types of study permits that do not permit work.

One example is the study permit for short-term programs that are six months or less in duration. International students enrolled in such programs are not eligible to work in Canada. Similarly, exchange students who are studying at a Canadian institution as part of a formal exchange program may not be allowed to work in Canada, depending on the specific terms of their exchange agreement.

Additionally, international students who have received funding from the Canadian government, such as through a scholarship or grant, may be subject to certain restrictions on their ability to work in Canada while they study. These restrictions may vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the funding.

It is important for international students to carefully review the conditions and restrictions of their study permit before they begin working in Canada. International students who violate the conditions of their study permit, such as by working more hours than they are permitted or in industries that are not allowed, may face consequences such as losing their study permit or being barred from re-entering Canada.

Post-Graduation Work Permit

A foreign student who has completed their studies at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI) may stay in Canada for a while after graduation under a post-graduation work permit. It is an open work permit that permits individuals to pursue employment with any Canadian employer.

Can Co-Op Students and Interns Work in Canada?

Co-op students and interns who are studying in Canada may be eligible to work in Canada while they are completing their studies through a work permit. Work permits for co-op students and interns allow them to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, which can help them to develop their skills, build their resumes, and make connections in their industry.

To be eligible for a work permit for co-op students and interns, the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a program of study at a designated learning institution that requires a work placement or internship as part of the curriculum.
2. Have a valid study permit.
3. Have a letter from their educational institution confirming that the work placement or internship is an essential part of their program of study.
4. Your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program.
5. Have a written job offer from the employer that meets certain requirements, such as the duration of the job and the skills and knowledge required.
6. Students who are in English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL), general interest courses, or courses to prepare for another study program are not eligible to apply for this work permit.

Work permits for co-op students and interns are typically issued for the duration of the work placement or internship, up to a maximum of one year. Co-op students and interns may be eligible to apply for an extension of their work permit if they require additional time to complete their work placement or internship.

It is important to note that work permits for co-op students and interns are employer-specific, which means that the student must work for the employer specified in their work permit. If the student wants to work for a different employer, they must apply for a new work permit.

Note

You may not need to apply for a Co-op work permit between November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, if,

• You have a valid study permit, and the application for this study permit was received by IRCC on or before October 7, 2022, and
• Your study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus, and
• You’re eligible to benefit from the temporary policy change to work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session, and
• Your co-op placement ends by December 31, 2023.

Eligibility for a co-op work visa?

Co-op students and interns who are studying in Canada may be eligible to work in Canada while they are completing their studies through a work permit. Work permits for co-op students and interns allow them to gain valuable work experience in their field of study, which can help them to develop their skills, build their resumes, and make connections in their industry.

To be eligible for a work permit for co-op students and interns, the student must meet the following requirements:

1. Be enrolled in a program of study at a designated learning institution that requires a work placement or internship as part of the curriculum.
2. Have a valid study permit.
3. Have a letter from their educational institution confirming that the work placement or internship is an essential part of their program of study.
4. Your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program.
5. Have a written job offer from the employer that meets certain requirements, such as the duration of the job and the skills and knowledge required.
6. Students who are in English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL), general interest courses, or courses to prepare for another study program are not eligible to apply for this work permit.

Work permits for co-op students and interns are typically issued for the duration of the work placement or internship, up to a maximum of one year. Co-op students and interns may be eligible to apply for an extension of their work permit if they require additional time to complete their work placement or internship.

It is important to note that work permits for co-op students and interns are employer-specific, which means that the student must work for the employer specified in their work permit. If the student wants to work for a different employer, they must apply for a new work permit.

Note

You may not need to apply for a Co-op work permit between November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, if,

• You have a valid study permit, and the application for this study permit was received by IRCC on or before October 7, 2022, and
• Your study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus, and
• You’re eligible to benefit from the temporary policy change to work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session, and
• Your co-op placement ends by December 31, 2023.

How to apply for a co-op work visa?

To apply for a co-op work visa, also known as a work permit for co-op students and interns, you must follow these steps:

1. Obtain a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada that indicates that you are enrolled in a program that requires a work placement or internship as part of your curriculum.
2. Apply for a study permit from the Canadian government. You will need to submit a completed application form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents, such as proof of acceptance from a DLI, proof of financial support, and a letter of explanation.
3. Once you have been approved for a study permit, you can apply for a co-op work visa. To apply, you will need to submit an application form, a valid passport, your study permit, and other supporting documents, such as a letter from your educational institution confirming that the work placement or internship is an essential part of your program of study and a written job offer from the employer that meets certain requirements.
4. Wait for the processing of your application. The processing time for a co-op work visa can vary depending on various factors, such as your country of origin and the volume of applications being processed at the time.
5. Once your co-op work visa has been approved, you can begin working for the employer specified in your work permit. Be sure to adhere to the conditions and restrictions of your work permit, such as the duration of the job and the number of hours you are allowed to work.

It is important to note that the process for applying for a co-op work visa may vary depending on your specific situation, and there may be additional requirements or steps that you need to follow. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or an authorized immigration consultant to assist you with the application process.