International students in Canada with a valid study permit can work during their studies without the need for a separate work permit. Additionally, spouses or common-law partners of international students are eligible to work in Canada through an Open Work Permit, allowing them to take on any job without restrictions. Here’s a detailed overview of the work opportunities available to international students and their families.

Working On-Campus

Full-time students enrolled at eligible institutions can work on-campus in any job without requiring a work permit. They may also work at multiple campuses of the same institution, as long as the campuses are within the same municipality.

Eligible Institutions

• Universities
• Community colleges
• CEGEPs
• Publicly funded trade or technical schools
• Private institutions authorized by provincial statutes to confer degrees

Eligibility Requirements

To work on-campus, international students must:

• Hold a valid study permit.
• Be enrolled full-time at their institution.

Important: Students must stop working on-campus immediately if they no longer meet these eligibility requirements.

Working Off-Campus

International students may qualify to work off-campus without a work permit under specific conditions. This allows them to:

• Work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
• Work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays and spring break.

Eligibility Requirements

To work off-campus, students must:

• Hold a valid study permit.
• Be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) at the post-secondary level or, in Quebec, in a vocational program at the secondary level.
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing as determined by their institution.
• Be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate of at least six months in duration.

Important: Students must stop working off-campus immediately if they no longer meet these requirements.

Who Is Not Eligible to Work Off-Campus?

The following students are not eligible to work off-campus:

• Those enrolled in English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) programs.
• Students taking general interest courses or programs.
• Visiting or exchange students at a designated learning institution.

Special Cases for Off-Campus Work

Students working as graduate, research, or teaching assistants may work off-campus at locations related to their research grants. These locations must have formal associations or affiliations with their learning institutions, such as hospitals, clinics, or research institutes.

Co-op Work Permits

International students enrolled in study programs at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) that include mandatory work placements or internships must apply for a Co-op Work Permit in addition to their Canadian study permit.