Working on Campus in Canada

Students have the opportunity to work on campus while studying in Canada. There are part-time jobs available on campus and they do not need to look outside the campus for work. Only students on their own campus may apply for the job.

Qualifications for On Campus Work Study Programs
An on campus job may not require a work permit if the student meets the following criteria:

• Enrolling in a full-time program at:

1. Quebec University, College, or CEGEP

2. Private colleges that function as public schools and receive 50% of their funds from government grants in Quebec

3. A private college that is authorized by provincial law to offer degrees.

• University or college students can work at different campuses as long as they are in the same city or county

Where can you apply for a Work Study Program?

• The school offers the following services: sports, dining, and a bookstore
• Students’ Organizations
• Member of the faculty
• Business
• Services provided on campus by a private contractor
• Self Employed

In addition to the categories, a few on-campus jobs are available at different universities:

1. Graduate Assistant for Assessment
2. Lab Assistant
3. Design Studio Lab Assistant
4. Mail Centre Clerk
5. Lab Monitor
6. Campaigns Assistant
7. Student Financial Service Coordinator
8. Teaching Assistant Design History & Theory
9. Receptionist
10. Career Boost Programs (Ryerson)
11. Web Promo Design
12. Housing and Job Resources Centre Assistant

Who is not eligible to work on campus?

In the following scenarios, work on campus must be stopped:

• A student’s last day of full-time study
• Expiration of study permit
• During an authorized leave of absence from school
• In the case of a student switching schools and not currently enrolled

Working Off Campus in Canada

There are many opportunities for students here outside of campus. In order to study off campus without a work permit, both the employer and student need to ensure that this is possible. There should be details in the study permit regarding working during study hours. It is possible to find a job with flexible hours that suits their needs.

Off Campus WorkStudy Program Eligibility

In cases where international students meet the given requirements, they are eligible to participate in the Work Study program without requiring a work permit. In that case:-

• Valid study permits are required for all students.
• Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• A program of vocational training at the secondary level (only available in Quebec)
• Vocational, academic, and professional programs at the postsecondary level
• Studies should have started by now.
• Whether or not students are allowed to work on or off campus is indicated on the study permit.
• Students must be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program for a minimum of 6 months.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN).

It is still possible for students who are no longer in full-time programs to work off campus, if they have previously:

• Since the program’s start, I have been studying full-time.
• Studying part-time during the current semester, which is the last semester of the program and there is less coursework to be completed.

Who is not eligible to work off campus?

Without a work permit, students cannot work off campus if:

• Students with a study permit cannot work on or off campus while studying.
• Working off campus does not require meeting all requirements.
• Enrolled only in an ESL or FSL course.
• Taking only courses of general interest.
• Enrolling in courses that will lead to acceptance into full-time programs.

A student who meets any of these conditions needs a valid work permit to work in Canada.

Off-campus work hours

It is usually a private non-profit organization or a public agency that employs the students, and they work in the public interest.

• Students may work up to 20 hours per week during school terms/semesters
• Students may work full time during scheduled breaks in winter, summer, fall, and reading week, plus overtime, and two part-time jobs that add up to more hours than usual.
• Unless scheduled breaks are provided in the program, working hours can reach up to 20 hours per week (this must be approved as working more than 20 hours violates study permit rules).

Working in Canada as a co-op student or intern

As part of the curriculum, few programs require work experience. The following students can apply for a co-op or intern work permit:

• A valid study permit.
• A minimum of 50% of the total program study must be included in the curriculum.
• Work placements are required for degree completion, according to a letter from school.
• You must mention in your acceptance letter that you are eligible for a co-op or internship placement. Students must then apply for a study permit. All other arrangements will be handled by the institution.

Can anyone apply for a Co-Op Work Permit?

If a student opts for any of the following, a work study permit cannot be applied for:

• ESL or FSL (English as a second language)
• Courses of general interest
• Preparation for another study program

Online applications are available

Students can apply online by submitting electronic copies of their documents along with a credit card payment. The benefits of using the online application include:

• No courier fees or mail delivery time, the application is received immediately
• Applications can be processed more quickly
• Additional documents can be submitted quickly if necessary
• The status of your application is updated directly on your online account

You can also apply on paper

• Go to the official website of the government of Canada to download the application package.
• Attach the required documents to the application form.
• The application fee should be mailed with the application form to the given address.

The Work Study program helps provide job experience as well as offset college expenses. Student skills are strengthened. In addition to learning better time management skills, they also gain better communication skills and work under pressure. This makes their resumes more attractive to prospective employers.