Working in Canada as an international student

If your study permit allows, you can work on campus or off campus. Your spouse can also apply for a work permit. Read on for more information.

Get a social insurance number

To work in Canada, you need to apply for a 9-digit social insurance number. To get a social insurance number, you will need your passport and your study permit indicating that you are authorized to work in Canada.

You can apply in person at the Service Canada Centre located on the main floor of Ottawa City Hall at 110 Laurier Avenue West.

Work on campus

To work on campus, you must be a full-time student and have a valid study permit and a social insurance number.

For information on the Saint Paul University work-study program and to view job postings, consult the student intranet.

Work off campus

To work off campus, you must be a full-time student and have a valid study permit and a social insurance number.

In general, international students do not need to obtain a work permit to work off campus, but you should check the terms listed on your study permit.

Work permit for your spouse

To be able to work in Canada, your spouse must apply for a work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Your spouse can apply if you are a full-time student and have a valid study permit. Note that the work permit is valid for the same dates as your study permit.

Post-Graduation Work Permit Program

To work in Canada after graduating, you must apply for a work permit as part of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

To be eligible, you must have completed a program that is at least 8 months long and have obtained a diploma from a Canadian postsecondary institution (college or university).

ATTENTION: A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after your study program has been completed. Your program is considered complete when you receive a notification of program completion from your school.

You have 180 days after your school issues your final marks to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).