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 for off-campus work hours expired on April 30, 2024

IRCC ended a temporary policy that allowed certain international students to work off-campus more than 20 hours per week during the regular academic terms. That means that certain students must go back to working up to 20 hours per week off-campus. Please see more information 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:

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.

International Student Guide

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.

ISSAC