Full-time international students in Canada are permitted to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during their studies without needing an additional work permit, provided they maintain their full-time student status. During scheduled breaks between academic terms, they may work full-time without requiring another work permit. The study program must last at least six months and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate at a designated institution (either public or eligible private institution).
Before starting off-campus work, international students must obtain a nine-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada. To retain eligibility for off-campus work, international students must continue to be full-time students and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Students enrolled in general preparatory or language courses (ESL/FSL) are not eligible to work off-campus in Canada. International students who work off-campus without meeting the eligibility criteria may receive warnings from immigration authorities or face deportation orders.
