International Centre

Working in Canada

Work experience can help you prepare for your career, gain exposure to the Canadian workplace, and form a closer connection to the local community. It can also help you financially by providing you with extra money and could lead to permanent residency in Canada.

If you're an international student and you want to work in Canada, you need to follow certain regulations and depending on the type of work, you may need to apply for a work permit. Find out more information below to determine what type of work permit you may need and regulations you need to follow.

Important documents you need to work in Canada:

A Work Permit

In order to work in Canada, you will need a work permit. The type of permit depends on the type of work you want to pursue. In some cases, your study permit is enough to allow you to work in Canada, but under certain conditions. See below for more information.

What type of permit will you need?

TYPE OF WORK	TYPE OF PERMIT REQUIRED
On-campus	You do not need a work permit in order to work on campus while attending Dalhousie, as your study permit gives you permission to accept on-campus employment as long as you’re registered in full-time studies. *However, there are certain conditions you must observe to work off campus.*
Off-campus (up to 20 hours per week during regular study period)	You do not need a work permit in order to work off campus while attending Dalhousie, as your study permit gives you permission to study periods) accept off campus employment as long as you’re registered in full-time studies. *However, there are certain conditions you must observe to work off campus.*
Co-op or Internship (if the work is integral to your academic program)	Co-op work permit required
Volunteer (unpaid) or internship (if the work is *not* integral to your academic program)	Some volunteer positions and internships 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 or internship is considered work, you need to follow the relevant work regulations (e.g. on- or off-campus work conditions).
After you graduate	Post-graduation work permit required
Work for spouse or common-law partner	Spouse/partner work permit required

A Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number that you need to work in Canada, to file taxes, or to have access to government programs and benefits. You should apply for a SIN if you plan to work in Canada.

COVID-19 FAQs

I am currently in Canada and due to the COVID-19 pandemic I may be forced to reduce my studies to part-time or take a break from studies completely. Can I still work on or off campus?

To work on or off campus in Canada you will need to ensure that you meet IRCC’s requirements for working on and/or off campus. If you are currently pursuing a Dalhousie Co-op/Internship work term, you will require a valid co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.

For Spring and Summer 2020, IRCC announced flexibility on the work eligibility rules for international students who were eligible to work on or off campus but were forced to drop to part time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19.
For Fall 2020 and Winter/Spring 2021, IRCC has not confirmed any flexibility to work eligibility requirements for study permit holders.
Therefore, students who enroll part time or take a break in studies in Fall 2020 and/or Winter/Spring 2021 are not eligible to work on or off campus in Canada. Part-time enrollment or a term off in Fall 2020, Winter 2021 or Spring 2021 may also impact your eligibility for a post-graduation work permit. Visit this government webpage for more info.

If you have questions concerning the eligibility requirements to work in Canada as an international student please contact an International Student Advisor, by contact international.centre@dal.ca

I don't have a Social Insurance Number and Service Canada Offices are closed. How can I get one?

Service Canada is now processing SINs online. Please visit the Service Canada website to apply online.

I am currently outside of Canada. How many hours can I work while I am outside of Canada?

If you are outside of Canada, you are not restricted to the limits defined by Canadian immigration regulations regarding on-campus and off-campus work. You must, however, respect the allowable hours of work in the country where you are currently residing.