Step One: Accepting Students

To be eligible for Student Work Programs, the Student must:

• posess a valid study permit.
• have studient full time at a participating institution for at least six out of the twelve months of the year preceding the application.
• have applied for the off-campus work permit program at a participating institution

Review the list of participating institutions. Full time Status is determined by each institution.

Step Two: Work Permit

As a Canadian Employer you must ensure that:

• the Foreign Student has received a Work Permit before they begin their work experience or internship.
• the Foreign Student has applied for and received a Social Insurance Number before they begin their work experience or internship.

Step One: Eligibility

As an international student who wishes to work in Canada, you must be eligible to apply for a work permit:

You must be attending a participating university or college (see the list of participating institutions) on a full time basis (your institution will determine whether your study program qualifies as full-time).

You must be enrolled in a post-secondary program that provides a degree, diploma or recognized certificate upon completion.

International students enrolled in English-as-a-Second-Language programs or academic upgrading prgrams are not eligible for the off-campus work permit program.

Step Two: Designated Institutional Representatives

The Designated Institutional Representative (DIR) is an employee of the university or college where you are studying who is responsible for implementing the Off-Campus Work Permit Program.

• You should inquire at your local institution and find your DIR.
• Your DIR will issue you verification forms, check your student academic eligibility (full-time status and satisfactory academic standing) and submit reports to the provincial coordinator in cases where you have become academically ineligible.

Step Three: Get a Work Permit

• To work off-campus, you must obtain a work permit. Your DIR will help you obtain the correct forms or you can find the forms at this website.
• Forms you may require include:
  1. Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada;
  2. Statuatory Declaration of Common-Law Union;
  3. Off-Campus Work Permit Program - Verification Form;
  4. Off-Campus Work Permit Program - Student Acknowledgement and Consent;
  5. Use of a Representative;
  6. Document Checklist.
• There are certain fees due with the application for a work permit. You can either pay these fees online with a major credit card or pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada (i.e. your bank)

Step Four: Maintain your Status

As an international student, once you receive your work permit you may work only 20 hours per week during your academic year and full-time during breaks. You are required to maintain your satisfactory academic standing and your study permit during the entire time you are working off-campus in Canada.

If there is any change to your academic standing, please see your DIR.