Select a FAQs Category to view frequently asked questions

FAQs

Please select a question for answers and more information.

  • Changing the conditions on your study permit

    You’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.

  • Do you charge any fees for your services?

    Our services are free with loads of benefits to you as you pursue your future endeavours.

  • Eligibility requirements

    You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of these requirements:
    • You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
    • You’re enrolled in either of the following a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
    • Your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
    • You’ve started studying. You have a social insurance number (SIN)

  • How do I get social insurance number?

    • Get a social insurance number to work in Canada. A SIN is a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada gives you. You need one to work in Canada.
    • To apply for a SIN to work off campus, you must have 1 of these conditions printed on your study permit:
    ▪ may work 20 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.
    ▪ may accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these

  • How do I register?

    By filling out the online registration form at Register or visiting our office in person (appointment required).

  • How many hours can you work off campus?

    During regular school terms or semesters
    • You can work up to 20 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

  • How many hours count as full-time work?

    There is no set number of hours per week that counts as ‘full-time’ work. However, your employer(s) must follow all provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts.
    If your program doesn’t have scheduled breaks
    • You can work up to 20 hours per week.

  • If you already applied for a work permit

    You can work full-time if you meet all of these requirements:
    • You were already able to work off campus during your studies
    • You applied for a work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study permit expired
    • You’re waiting for a decision on your work permit application

  • What happens after I register?

    • You will receive a notification that your registration has been received.
    • We will review your application and notify you of the next steps.
    • Once accepted you will be required to attend an information session.

  • Who can work more than 20 hours per week off campus?

    • Under a temporary public policy, you may be eligible to work without a work permit for more than 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
    ◦ If we received your study permit application (or extension) on or before October 7, 2022 If we received your study permit application (or extension) between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023 If we received your application for a study permit extension after December 7, 2023

  • Who can work off campus?

    • You and your employer must make sure you can work off campus without a work permit before you start working. If you start working off campus but don’t meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada.
    • You can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can’t work before you start your studies.
    • If you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.
    • If you’re eligible for off-campus work, you don’t need a work permit.

  • Working after you complete your study program.

    After you complete your study program, there are 2 ways you may be able to work full-time:
    • you already applied for a work permit before your study permit expired or
    • you’re starting a new study program
    • You need to meet all the requirements listed below to work full-time. If we refuse your work or study permit application, you must stop working and leave Canada.

General

Please select a question for answers and more information.

  • How do I register?

    By filling out the online registration form at Register or visiting our office in person (appointment required).

  • What happens after I register?

    • You will receive a notification that your registration has been received.
    • We will review your application and notify you of the next steps.
    • Once accepted you will be required to attend an information session.

  • Do you charge any fees for your services?

    Our services are free with loads of benefits to you as you pursue your future endeavours.

Work Off Campus

Please select a question for answers and more information.

  • Who can work off campus?

    • You and your employer must make sure you can work off campus without a work permit before you start working. If you start working off campus but don’t meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada.
    • You can only start working in Canada when your study program has started. You can’t work before you start your studies.
    • If you’re able to work during your studies, it’ll say so in the conditions on your study permit.
    • If you’re eligible for off-campus work, you don’t need a work permit.

  • Eligibility requirements

    You can work off campus without a work permit if you meet all of these requirements:
    • You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
    • You’re enrolled in either of the following a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
    • Your study program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
    • You’ve started studying. You have a social insurance number (SIN)

  • How do I get social insurance number?

    • Get a social insurance number to work in Canada. A SIN is a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada gives you. You need one to work in Canada.
    • To apply for a SIN to work off campus, you must have 1 of these conditions printed on your study permit:
    ▪ may work 20 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.
    ▪ may accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these

  • How many hours can you work off campus?

    During regular school terms or semesters
    • You can work up to 20 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

  • Who can work more than 20 hours per week off campus?

    • Under a temporary public policy, you may be eligible to work without a work permit for more than 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. To be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:
    ◦ If we received your study permit application (or extension) on or before October 7, 2022 If we received your study permit application (or extension) between October 8, 2022, and December 7, 2023 If we received your application for a study permit extension after December 7, 2023

  • How many hours count as full-time work?

    There is no set number of hours per week that counts as ‘full-time’ work. However, your employer(s) must follow all provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts.
    If your program doesn’t have scheduled breaks
    • You can work up to 20 hours per week.

  • Changing the conditions on your study permit

    You’ll need to apply for a new study permit from within Canada.

  • Working after you complete your study program.

    After you complete your study program, there are 2 ways you may be able to work full-time:
    • you already applied for a work permit before your study permit expired or
    • you’re starting a new study program
    • You need to meet all the requirements listed below to work full-time. If we refuse your work or study permit application, you must stop working and leave Canada.

  • If you already applied for a work permit

    You can work full-time if you meet all of these requirements:
    • You were already able to work off campus during your studies
    • You applied for a work permit or post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study permit expired
    • You’re waiting for a decision on your work permit application