International students with valid study permits may be eligible to work on campus in Canada without needing a separate work permit. Working on campus can offer students valuable experience, income, and connections within their institution – all while continuing their education.
On This Page You Will Find
- Who can work on campus in Canada
- When and where students can work
- Employer types allowed under on-campus rules
- How to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Rules about working hours and conditions
Who Can Work On Campus
You may work on campus without a separate work permit if:
- You are a full-time student at one of the following:
- A public post-secondary school (college, university, trade/technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec)
- A private school in Quebec operating under the same rules as public institutions
- A secondary or post-secondary school in Quebec offering a DVS or AVS (minimum 900 hours)
- A degree-granting private school authorised by provincial law in Canada
- You hold a valid study permit or maintained status
- Your study permit includes printed conditions allowing on-campus work
- You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Part-Time Students in Final Semester
You may continue working on campus without restriction if you are part-time only in your final semester and previously studied full-time throughout your program.
Who Cannot Work On Campus
You must stop working on campus if:
- You stop studying full-time (unless in final semester)
- Your study permit expires
- You are on a scheduled break or leave of absence
- You switch schools and are not currently studying
You may return to on-campus work once you resume studies and meet all requirements.
Where You Can Work
“On-campus” generally means:
- Any building on your school’s campus
- Only the campus where you are registered (if your school has multiple campuses)
You may also work at other locations such as libraries, hospitals or research facilities off campus if:
- You are a teaching or research assistant
- The work directly relates to a research grant
- The facility is affiliated with your school
If working in healthcare or public health environments, a medical exam may be required unless already completed.
Who You Can Work For
Approved on-campus employers include:
- The school itself
- Faculty members
- Student organisations
- Yourself (if your business is physically located on campus)
- Private businesses operating on campus
- Contractors providing services to the school
Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need a SIN to work and access government services in Canada. To apply, your study permit must include one of the following conditions:
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v), or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
- May accept employment only on campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
If your permit does not include either condition but you qualify, you can request an amendment from IRCC. This service is free.
You can apply for a SIN:
- Online (recommended)
- In person at a Service Canada Centre
- By mail (may take longer)
How Many Hours Can You Work?
There is no limit to the number of hours you can work on campus. You may also work off campus if your study permit allows it, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria for both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work on campus in Canada without a work permit?
Yes. If you are a full-time international student with a valid study permit and printed permission to work on campus, you may do so without a separate work permit.
Can I work on campus if I’m part-time?
You can only work part-time if it is your final semester and you were previously studying full-time for the rest of your program.
Do I need a Social Insurance Number to work on campus?
Yes. You must apply for a SIN before starting work. Your study permit must have specific wording allowing on-campus work in order to qualify.
Where exactly can I work on campus?
You may work in any building on your school’s main campus. If you’re a teaching or research assistant, you may work at affiliated off-campus locations like hospitals or libraries.
What kind of employer can I work for?
You may work for your school, a faculty member, a student organisation, a private business on campus, or even run your own business on campus if permitted.
