Have you ever dreamed of studying in Canada and making extra money on the side? If you’re an international student, you can work while studying, but you need a study permit. A study permit is your pass to both education and employment in Canada. How does it work? Let’s lay out all the information, share a personal story, and help you make the most of your time in Canada. Get ready to balance assignments and paychecks like a master!
What is a study permit, and why do you need one?
A study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows international students to enroll in courses at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs). Most of the time, it also authorizes work in Canada. Without a study permit, working risks losing your status. When I came to Canada for a short course, I thought I could score a café job at my university without paperwork—how wrong I was! An advisor set the record straight: no study permit, no work.
Your study permit must indicate you can work on and off-campus. If it doesn’t, apply to amend it, but don’t start working until approved. With an active study permit, options are numerous. Most full-time students at DLIs can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks without an additional work permit. On-campus jobs, like library assistant or cafeteria staff, are also available. If your program includes a co-op or internship, a co-op work permit is required, but the process is straightforward.
Covering rent was a breeze as a campus barista. On-campus work let me arrange shifts around classes, offering perfect flexibility. Want to know how many work hours you can fit in a year? The Controlio app helps you plan.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply, meet these criteria:
- Be enrolled full-time at a DLI (part-time is acceptable in your final semester).
- Possess a study permit with work authorization.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada.
The application process starts before entering Canada. Secure a letter of acceptance from a DLI, provide evidence of sufficient funds, and, in most provinces, a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). In Quebec, this is a Certificat d’Acceptation du Québec (CAQ). Submit documents electronically on the IRCC portal and expect results within three months. If in Canada, apply at the border or from within, but confirm eligibility first.
Navigating Restrictions and Pitfalls
Permits have restrictions. Not all allow work. If your study permit states, “This permit does not permit the holder to engage in off-campus employment,” you’ll need to amend it. Unauthorized work can lead to permit loss or deportation. Working with English/French as a second language or general interest courses also disqualifies work. A friend started retail work assuming her permit was fine. She had to stop until she could amend her permit.
Track hours to stay under the 24-hour limit during school terms. The yrs and hrs calculator is useful for scheduling.
Beyond Study: Post-Graduation Work Permit
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows full-time work in Canada for up to three years, depending on your program. Apply within 180 days after completing studies, ensuring you had a valid study permit. This open work permit lets you work for any employer, aiding career establishment. I know someone who landed a tech job via PGWP, paving the way for permanent residency.
Conclusion: Balance Work and Study Like a Pro
A study permit lets you combine work and study in Canada, offering financial support and practical experience. Whether it’s an on-campus job or a co-op, the steps are clear: get the right permit, manage hours, and stay compliant. My barista days taught me time management and funded maple syrup lattes. With the Controlio app, tracking hours and years is easy, ensuring success as an international student. Ace your studies and side hustle!
