Working in Canada
Earn while you learn! Canada offers a range of opportunities, including on-campus jobs, co-op programs, and post-graduation work options. These experiences not only provide valuable financial assistance but also offer practical insights and skill development in a real-world setting.
As an international student in Canada, you can work during your studies, and there are several benefits to doing so. Working allows you to gain hands-on experience, supplement your income, and develop essential skills that can enhance your future career prospects. Additionally, it provides you with the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, build a professional network, and offset some of your living expenses, contributing to a more enriching and well-rounded educational experience.
Working while studying
You can work while studying in Canada, provided you meet the following conditions:
- Possession of a valid study permit for a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Enrollment as a full-time student in a program with a duration of at least six months.
- Pursuing studies in an academic, vocational, or professional training program.
If your study permit doesn’t have these work conditions on it:
You can ask to have these conditions added if you’re eligible to work off campus. There’s no fee to add these conditions to your permit.
You must request an amendment to your study permit before you can apply to Service Canada for a SIN.
Students eligible to work under paragraph R186(v) can do the following:
- work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions once they have commenced their program of study
- work full-time during regularly scheduled breaks between academic sessions regardless of their course load.
Students may not work until they have commenced their program of study. They must actually commence studies in Canada at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) before being eligible to work off campus.
To apply for a SIN to work off campus, you must have one of these conditions printed on your study permit:
- May work 24 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph 186(f), (v) or (w) of the IRPR, and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
On-campus jobs
Looking for part-time work while studying at Georgian College? We offer numerous on-campus job opportunities for students, with hiring times available throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking to gain valuable work experience or earn some extra income, we have positions to suit your needs. Apply today through Georgian Connects and take the first step towards building your career right here on campus!
Co-op programs
Co-op, field placement, field training, industry placement, practicum, clinical placement, practical experience and internship placements
International students with a valid study permit enrolled in any program with the above work portion must apply for a work permit to be able to legally work off-campus during their co-op terms. Since each co-op semester may involve a different employer, the work permit will have conditions stating that Georgian College is the employer and Georgian decides where the student can legally work for the co-op, field placement, field training, industry placement, practicum, clinical placement, practical experience or internship. This permit only allows students to work off-campus in positions related to their co-op requirements. Students must have a co-op work permit before they can begin work.
Working after graduation
After graduation, international students are eligible to apply for up to a three-year post-graduate work permit.
This allows you to gain Canadian work experience. This type of work is exempt from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) approval. Students must have a valid study permit and apply within 90 days of graduation (the date the your final marks are posted).
Guidelines for working in Canada are subject to change by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). For the most up-to-date information, please check the IRCC website.
Want to learn more?
@icgeorgian
Whether you’re an applicant interested in studying at Georgian, an international student in need of guidance, or an individual looking to explore opportunities abroad, don’t hesitate to reach out to our International Education and Development office. We’re here to support you throughout your academic journey!
Contact information
Segal International Centre
C279, Barrie Campus
705.722.5158