Generally, the Canadian study permit only allows the achievement of academic purposes.
However, foreign students can work under clearly stipulated conditions if they obtain a work permit.
Therefore, working and studying in Canada is possible.
1. Work on the university campus
Foreign students with a study permit can work part-time on the university campus where they are studying.
The interested party will only be required to study full-time at a university.
2. Work outside the university or university college
Foreigners with a study permit who wish to work outside the university must apply for a work permit once in Canadian territory.
It is illegal to start working outside the university without prior authorization.
The work permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during ordinary periods of academic sessions and full-time during vacations (such as winter, summer, and spring).
However, having a work permit does not guarantee the student will have a job.
On the other hand, Canadian authorities constantly emphasize that, even if a foreign student is allowed to work, completing studies must remain the main reason for the student’s stay in Canada.
1. Obtaining a work permit for a student in Canada
To obtain a work permit, the international student must be enrolled full-time at a Canadian state-funded higher education institution or an eligible private educational institution.
Eligible private institutions are those institutions that have signed agreements with the provincial or territorial governments or with the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship to authorize their students to work off-campus.
Also, those governed by the same rules and regulations as public institutions or those whose activities are financed at least 50% by government subsidies (currently, only private universities in Quebec qualify in this definition).
When a student stops studying full-time or loses a satisfactory academic position (low academic performance), he risks having his work permit withdrawn.
Student counselors from universities or colleges can assist foreign students in obtaining a work permit.
To obtain this work permit, you can visit the official website directly:
Web: www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/
2. Work as an intern
Work experience is a vital aspect of the curriculum for certain academic programs. Foreign students with a study permit can do paid work internships, for which they must apply for a work permit.
To obtain work authorization, the student must demonstrate that the internship is an essential part of the curriculum and does not constitute more than 50% of the total academic program.
In addition, the employer must be certified by the educational institution to participate in the curriculum. A letter issued by the academic tutor is sufficient to authorize the employer to receive the international student as an intern.
3. Working in Canada after graduation
International students with a study permit can work in Canada after obtaining a post-secondary studies diploma.
To do this, they must apply for a work permit within the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) framework. This authorization allows the recent graduate student to gain work experience in Canada in their area of study.
This type of work permit is issued for a duration equivalent to the study program, up to a maximum of three years.
For example, if the interested party graduated from a four-year study program, he may be eligible to obtain a work permit for three years.
The minimum time of studies required is eight months, in which case the work permit will be extended for a maximum of 8 months.
Starting in January 2021, students who have an expired or are about to expire PGWP can apply for a new open work permit, which allows them to look for work with the employer of their choice and continue their career in Canada.
For details on this extension of the program, you can consult this official link (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students/pgwp-extend.html).
This work permit is a safe way for the student to apply for a permanent residence visa through the Canadian Experience Program.
4. Work permit for the spouse
Spouses or de facto partners of foreign students enrolled in full-time programs who have a study permit can temporarily work in Canada.
The interested party must obtain the respective work permit, which will be granted for a duration equivalent to the spouse’s curriculum.
5. Looking for a job as a student
A work permit is not a guarantee for landing a job as a student. As a student, you are solely responsible for searching for a job. The opportunities open to you depend solely on your ability and perseverance.
To get an idea of the jobs available, you can visit the online employment pages and the main newspapers of the cities where your Canadian university is located.
It is also worth checking out our Jobs in Canada article.
A guide specifically crafted for newcomers to help them better understand the Canadian job market and how to navigate it.
