Off Campus Work Visa | Working Off-Campus in Canada on a Study Permit

Work in Canada

A foreign national who intends to work in Canada is generally required to process a work permit or other permission to legally do so. Such authorization may come in various forms, and usually requires advances approval prior to eligibility to enter Canada for work.

Free Eligibility Evaluation

If you or an employee are seeking temporary eligibility to work in Canada, please complete a Canadian work permit eligibility assessment at no cost to determine which strategy is the best approach in your case. You may also contact us at 011-25332221

Canadian Work Permits

There are numerous categories or provisions by witch a foreign worker can seek a work permit in Canada. However, these usually fall within one of several general classifications that can be used to better understand the procedures.

Working Off-Campus in Canada on a Study Permit

Depending on your program, you may be eligible to work while studying.
Full-time students no longer need a work permit if they are enrolled full-time. Study permits will automatically authorize the holder to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session, and full-time during scheduled breaks, without the need to apply for a separate work permit. The study permit holder must be pursuing academic, vocational or professional training of six months or more that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate at a designated institution.

To work in Canada, international students must be registered and enrolled at a designated learning instituation and obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. Additionally, they must continue to meet the conditions of their study permit to remain eligible to work off-campus.

International students participating in general interest or preparatory courses, or studying English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL), will not be eligible to work in Canada during their studies. It is the responsibility of the individual and of their employer to ensure that they are eligible before beginning work in Canada. International students who begin working in Canada without meeting the eligibility requirements may be subject to enforcement action under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Off-Campus Work Visa Assistance

The Off-Campus Work visa program by Canada government ensures that bright talents can be retained in the country. This category of visa permits the full-time students, who are pursuing selected public post-secondary education, to work part-time off-campus under an authorized work sanction. Foreign students can use this visa as a temporary work permit. They can benefit from several employment opportunities available without the prerequisite of a specific job offer or having a set of required credentials or experience.

Off-Campus Work Visa Requirements

In order to procure this visa, the applicants, who are foreign students, are required to fulfill the following criteria:
They should

Possess a valid study permit and fulfill the conditions of the study permit and work permit, if applicable.
Maintain satisfactory academic standing in a definite program at a participating institution for at least six out of the twelve months before applying for off-campus work visa.
Be registered as a full-time student in a (study) program excluding English or French as a second language.

Off-Campus Work Visa Entitlements

On approval of the visa, the applicant is entitled to work in Canada for up to 20 hours per week during any academic sessions and full-time during school breaks or scheduled holidays. In addition, this visa can help applicants obtain permanent residence while in Canada. The applicants do not have any restrictions in terms of occupation they choose. Visa holders are also free to choose the organization they may work with. However, the applicants must ensure that education in Canada remains the prime aspect and reason for their stay in Canada.