About working off campus
As an international student with a valid study permit, you may be eligible to work off campus while completing your studies.
Temporary policy change to off-campus work
As per the off-campus work hours public policy announced on October 7, 2022, from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023, certain students are permitted to work off campus more than 20 hours per week during an academic session. For more information, please see here and here.
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for off-campus employment and that they do not exceed the restricted amount of work hours.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to work off campus, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- you’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- you’re enrolled in
- 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)
Learn more about off-campus work eligibility and allowable hours of work, please visit IRCC online.
If you are going to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at Service Canada.
What is considered "full-time" at the U of S
Full-time undergraduate students are registered in 9 or more credit [DB1] units per fall term 1 (September to December) and winter term 2 (January to April) semesters. Graduate students must be registered in at least 6 or more credit units per term. For more information about graduate student registration requirements, please contact your respective academic unit.
Amending Study Permit Conditions
Sometimes study permits have the condition that the holder is not authorized to engage in off-campus employment. If you have reviewed the eligible criteria above and you are eligible to work off campus, request to amend your study permit such that it reflects your ability to work off-campus. Learn how to request to amend documents, and apply.
Apply as soon as possible as to not disrupt any potential work opportunities. You may qualify for urgent processing if you face immediate loss of employment or an employment opportunity. Learn what is required for an urgent processing application.
Getting help
Use the International Student Guide to learn about life as an international student at the U of S including immigration matters and information on working and living in Canada.
If you can't find what you need in the International Student Guide contact The International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC). We are here to help! Drop-in advising is available.