by Cristina Zohil-Morton
Share
by Cristina Zohil-Morton
Share
Can International Students Work On-Campus in Canada Without a Work Permit in 2025?
If you’re an international student in Canada, you may be eligible to work on-campus without needing a separate work permit. This opportunity can provide valuable experience and financial support during your studies, but you must meet specific eligibility requirements outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Who Can Work On-Campus Without a Work Permit?
You may work on campus without a work permit if:
- You are a full-time post-secondary student at a:
- Public post-secondary school (college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec)
- Private post-secondary school in Quebec operating under the same rules as public schools
- Private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of over 900 hours leading to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) or attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)
- Canadian private school legally authorized to award degrees under provincial law (for example, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees), and you are enrolled in a degree-granting program
- You have a valid study permit or are on maintained status
- Your initial study permit includes a condition allowing you to work on campus
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Importantly, you can only begin working once your program of study has started, not before.
Part-Time Students in Final Semester
If you were a full-time student in every previous semester but are now part-time only to finish your final term, you may still work an unlimited number of hours on campus.
Who Cannot Work On-Campus
You must stop working on-campus immediately if:
- You are no longer a full-time student (except in your final semester under the conditions above)
- Your study permit expires
- You’re on an authorized leave from studies
- You’ve transferred schools and are not currently enrolled
Where Can You Work?
“On-campus” typically means anywhere within your school’s buildings and facilities. If your school has multiple campuses, you may generally only work at the one where you’re studying.
You may also work off-campus at other facilities, like hospitals or libraries, if:
- You are a teaching or research assistant
- Your work is directly related to a research grant
If working in a facility that affects public health, for example, a hospital, you may need to complete a medical exam if not already done.
Who You Can Work For
Eligible on-campus employers include:
- Your school (college, university, etc.)
- Faculty members
- Student organizations
- Yourself, if you run a business physically located on-campus
- Private businesses located on-campus
- Private contractors providing services to the school on campus
How Many Hours Can You Work?
You can work an unlimited number of hours on campus as long as you maintain eligibility. This is in addition to any off-campus hours you’re authorized to work.
Need Immigration Help?
Understanding your work rights as a student is crucial to maintaining legal status in Canada. Visit our Study Permit page to learn how Zohil-Morton Law can assist with your education and immigration journey. We also assist students transitioning to permanent residence, handling status restoration, and more.
At Zohil-Morton Law, we provide trusted legal advice to help you navigate complex Canadian immigration processes.
Still have questions? Book a consultation today with Cristina Zohil-Morton and the team at Zohil-Morton Law.
Stay Informed
To stay updated on Canadian immigration news, policy changes, and legal updates, follow us on social media:
We’re here to keep you informed and empowered on your Canadian immigration journey.
FAQs: Working On-Campus Without a Work Permit
Can part-time students work on-campus?
Only if you’re in your final semester and previously studied full-time. Otherwise, part-time students are not eligible to work on-campus.
What kind of schools qualify for on-campus work eligibility?
Public post-secondary institutions, certain private institutions in Quebec, and Canadian private schools authorized to award degrees under provincial law.
Can I work off-campus with the same study permit?
You may be eligible for off-campus work, but different rules apply. Visit our Study Permit page or check IRCC guidelines.
Do I need a medical exam to work on-campus?
Only if your work is in a public health-sensitive location like a hospital or daycare and you haven’t already completed one.
STAY IN THE LOOP
