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.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible to work off campus, you must be a full-time student enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration. Learn more about the eligibility criteria.
Remember: If you are going to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN). If you did not receive a SIN at the port of entry, you must apply 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. A student who is studying full-time is authorized to work up to 20 hours per week simultaneously with their studies.
If an undergraduate student has been registered full-time in the winter semester, and plans to be registered as a full-time student in the following fall semester, they are able to work off-campus during the spring/summer terms (May to August) for an unlimited number of hours without a requirement to register or study simultaneously.
This is because the University of Saskatchewan considers the spring/summer semesters as “scheduled break” for undergraduate students. Other scheduled breaks include fall and winter mid-term breaks and December holidays. Students are able to work during scheduled breaks, as long as they are full-time students while classes are in session.
If you are in a degree program without a scheduled break, (such as most thesis-based masters and PhD programs), you must stay registered full-time in order to be eligible to work off-campus, up to 20 hours per week. You are not allowed to work on or off campus during authorized leave.
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.