Overview of permits required to work in Canada
Work experience can help you prepare for your career, gain exposure to the Canadian workplace, form a closer connection to the local community, and provide you with extra money.
As an international student, there are several types of work you can do in Canada. Some of them will require applying for a specific work permit. Use the information below to determine what type of work regulations you need to follow.
On-campus work
You do not need a work permit in order to work on campus while attending UBC, as your study permit gives you permission to accept on-campus employment as long as you’re registered in full-time studies. There are however, certain conditions you must observe to work on-campus.
Off-campus work (up to 20 hours per week during regular study periods)
Students in degree, diploma, certificate programs, or on exchange do not need a work permit to work off-campus while attending UBC. If you meet the requirements, you can work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during academic terms (or more under temporary policies, if you are eligible), and unlimited hours during your program’s scheduled breaks.
Check your eligibility to work off-campus.
Co-op or internship (if the work is integral to your academic program)
If work is required to complete your academic program, such as co-op, a practicum, or an internship, you need a co-op work permit, even if you can work on or off campus (unless you are eligible for the temporary policies).
Volunteer work (unpaid)
Some volunteer positions may be considered work by IRCC – for example, volunteering for a job that is normally performed by paid employees (photocopying, customer service, etc.) is considered work regardless of whether you are paid or not. Review the meaning of work according to the IRCC definition to decide. If your volunteer position is considered work, you need to follow the relevant work regulations (e.g. on- or off-campus work conditions).
You need to complete a medical exam and have the right conditions on your study and/or work permit if:
- You work in jobs which bring you into close contact with people, such as:
- Workers in health-care settings
- Clinical laboratory workers
- Patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes
- Medical electives and physicians on short-term locums
- Workers in primary or secondary school settings, or workers in child-care settings
- Domestics
- Workers who give in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
- Day nursery employees and
- Other similar jobs
- You are a medical student.
- You will work in agriculture and have lived in a designated country for more than 6 months in the past year.
This is required even if your position is unpaid. See the list of example occupations.
Work after you graduate
Post-graduation work permit
Work for spouse or common-law partner
Spouse/partner work permit
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to apply for other types of work permits. In general, work permits unrelated to studies can be difficult to qualify for and might take a long time to process. Please visit the IRCC website to learn about your options. Students from certain countries which Canada has an agreement with might be eligible for International Experience Canada, such as the Working Holiday Work Permit.
If you’d like more information on other types of work permits, you can contact IRCC or find an authorized immigration representative for advice.
Part-time studies or taking time away from studies
If you’re no longer studying full-time, you are not eligible to work during the term you are part-time or are not enrolled (for example, you are on leave), or during the scheduled breaks before or after the term. There may also be potential impacts to your status in Canada. Learn more about how enrollment impacts immigration, including part-time studies, and taking time away from studies.
