Generally, the Canadian study permit allows only the achievement of academic purposes.
Study and work in Canada – Immigrate to Canada
However, foreign students can carry out work activities, under clearly stipulated conditions, as long as they obtain a work permit. Therefore, working and studying in Canada is possible.
Work on campus
Foreign students who have a study permit can work part-time within the university campus where they are studying.
The applicant will only be required to study full-time at a university or university college (the latter called in Quebec “Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel” or CEGEP).
Work outside of university or college
Foreign nationals who hold a study permit and wish to work outside of the university or college must apply for a work permit once on Canadian soil. It is forbidden to start working outside the university without having obtained the proper authorization.
The work permit allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full time during vacations (such as winter, summer and spring breaks). However, having a work permit is not a guarantee that the student will have a job.
On the other hand, the Canadian authorities insist on emphasizing that, even if you are allowed to work, the completion of your studies must remain the main reason for your stay in Canada for a foreign student.
Get a student work permit in Canada
To obtain a work permit, the international student must be enrolled full-time at a Canadian state-funded institution of higher education or an eligible private educational institution.
Eligible private institutions are those that have signed agreements with provincial or territorial governments or with the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship to authorize their students to work off campus.
Also, those that are governed by the same rules and regulations as public institutions or those whose activities are financed at least 50% by government subsidies (currently, only private university institutions in Quebec qualify under this definition).
When a student stops studying full-time or when they lose a satisfactory academic position (poor academic performance), they are at risk of having their work permit withdrawn.
Student advisors at universities or colleges can assist foreign students in the work permit process.
Work as an intern
In some academic programs, work experience is part of the curriculum. Foreign students holding a study permit can undertake paid work internships, for which they must apply for a work permit.
To obtain work authorization, the student must demonstrate that the internship is an essential part of the study program and does not constitute more than 50% of the total academic program.
In addition, the employer must be certified by the educational institution to participate in the study program. A letter issued by the academic tutor is sufficient to authorize the employer to receive the international student as an intern.
Work in Canada after graduation
International students with a study permit can work in Canada after completing their post-secondary diploma.
To do this, they must apply for a work permit under the “Post-Graduation Work Permit Program” (PGWPP). This authorization allows the recently graduated student to gain work experience in Canada in their area of ​​study.
This type of work permit is issued for a duration equivalent to the study program completed, up to a maximum of three years. For example, if you graduated from a four-year study program, you may be eligible for a three-year work permit. The minimum time of studies required is 8 months, in which case the work permit will be extended for a maximum of 8 months.
Work permit for spouse
Spouses or common-law partners of foreign students enrolled in full-time programs and holding a study permit may work in Canada temporarily.
It is necessary for the interested party to obtain the respective work permit, which will be granted for a duration equivalent to the study program of the spouse.
Find work as a student
Possessing a work permit is not a guarantee of having a job. The student is responsible for finding their work. Opportunities depend on your ability and perseverance.
To get an idea of ​​the jobs available, you can visit the employment pages on the Internet and the main newspapers of the cities where the Canadian universities are located.
Good info ….