Working Off-Campus

Study permit holders in Canada may gain work experience by working off campus while completing their studies. As of June 1, 2014, students may qualify to work off campus without a work permit. If you qualify, your study permit will allow you to:

  • work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and
  • work full-time (i.e. unlimited hours) during scheduled breaks such as the winter and summer holidays, breaks between semesters, and independent reading weeks.

*As of November 8, 2024, International students can work up to 24 hours a week (a 4-hour increase from the original 20-hour per week limit).

To qualify, you must:

  • have the following conditions or remarks (or something similar) printed on your study permit:
    • “May work 20 hours/week off campus or full time during regular breaks if R186(V) conditions are met”
    • “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”
  • have a valid study permit;
  • be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI);
  • have started studying;
  • are in a program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate and is at least six months long;
  • have a Social Insurance Number (SIN);
  • If you are no longer a full-time student, you may still work off-campus if you:
    • have been a full-time student since you started your program in Canada and are now studying part-time only because this is your last semester (and you don’t need a full course-load to complete your program).

You must stop working on the day you no longer meet the above eligibility requirements. Use the self-assessment tool to see if you are eligible to work off campus without a work permit.

For more information please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html

You cannot work off-campus if you are:

  • a part-time student and not in the final semester of your studies;
  • taking an unauthorized break from your studies;
  • a study permit holder without remarks on your study permit authorizing you to study;
  • studying French or English as a second language (ESL/FSL);
  • taking general interest courses or courses to prepare for another study program; or
  • a visiting or exchange student who won’t get a degree from your host school in Canada.

The Government of Canada can change rules, regulations, policies, and eligibility requirements at any time. The contents of this webpage were based on policies and legislation of the drafting date. Students are responsible for ensuring that they are in compliance with all Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations at all times during their studies and while in Canada. Fleming College staff are not authorized to provide advice or guidance on immigration-related matters, other than our International Student Advisors. Applicants and students should consult the IRCC website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada.html  or contact the IRCC Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to confirm or clarify immigration-related information and requirements.