Working in Canada

Off-campus work measures

IRCC announced that, effective November 8, 2024, the number of off-campus work hours for eligible study permit holders has increased from 20 hours per week to 24 hours per week.  More details on this change can be found here.

In October 2022, IRCC announced that study permit holders in Canada meeting certain conditions could work more than 20 hours per week for off-campus employers. This policy went into effect on November 15, 2022 and was extended until April 30, 2024.  

• The temporary policy was not extended beyond April 30, 2024. For more information, please refer to IRCC’s news release. 

If your study term/co-op work term was impacted during the spring 2020 term:

• IRCC confirmed that you could work during the spring 2020 term, even if the COVID-19 pandemic had forced you to become a part-time student or take a break in studies and spring terms are not your scheduled break terms. Regular working policies apply fall 2020 term onward.
• As an international student working in essential services, you were temporarily allowed to work more than 20 hours if you were a full-time student for spring 2020 term and providing an essential service.
  • Both you and your employer should have consulted Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s  Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the work you were doing allowed you to work more hours. Like always, if you were working in a health care setting (e.g. hospital, clinical lab, nursing home), with the elderly, or with children, you must have ensured that you completed a medical examination with an IRCC Panel Physician.

Still have questions? Please connect with an Immigration Consultant.

• You can only start working in Canada once your first term starts. If you have already competed a post-secondary program in Canada recently, please see the "working after your degree” section below for information on working between programs. 
• If you hold a valid post-secondary study permit, you can work part-time while you are registered as a full-time post-secondary student in Canada and your study permit has the R186(f) or (v) work condition for on and off campus work, respectively. An additional work permit is not required for this type of work. Students at Waterloo are considered enrolled full-time on degree-required co-op work terms. The below number of hours can be worked at the same time.
• As an undergraduate student, the number of hours you can work are the following:
  • Off-campus work hours cannot exceed 24 hours per week.
  • IRCC doesn’t have a restriction on hours you can work on campus, however Human Resources at Waterloo limits on-campus work hours to a maximum of 44 hours per week following the Employment Standards Act.
  • You can work full-time at co-op jobs on work terms that have to be completed to obtain your degree. The co-op work permit is required for all work terms. 
• As a graduate (Masters and PhD) student, the number of hours you can work are the following:
  • Off-campus work hours cannot exceed 24 hours per week.
  • In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can also work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director. 
  • Graduate research studentships (GRS) are paid from research scholarships and grants, where you receive support to work on campus on your own thesis research, with no limitation on hours.
  • You can work full-time at co-op/internship/practicum jobs on work terms that have to be completed to obtain your degree. The co-op work permit is required for all work terms. A reminder to apply to change your enrolment status through the GSPA for a work term to co-op if your program is defined as a co-op program or full-time off-campus status for internships or practicums.
    • If you want to complete an internship in Canada that is not required to graduate, you are not eligible to apply for the co-op work permit and can only work a maximum of 24 hours per week off campus on your study permit on full-time or full-time off-campus status.
• If you are on a full-time study term and also working on campus or off campus, or both, but drop to a part-time course load, you have to stop working immediately. The exception: 
  • If you are registered part-time in the final term of your degree, you can still work the number of hours listed above if you did not have any part-time study terms prior or any irregular terms off which are considered a leave from studies by IRCC. Studying part-time while on a scheduled break does not count as a prior part-time term for this policy.
  • If your study permit has the R186(v) work condition, but not R186(f), IRCC still allows on campus work for this final term only, but the total hours for on and off campus work combined can only be a maximum of 24 hours per week.

IRCC allows full-time work in Canada off campus, without a work permit, on regularly scheduled breaks that are a part of an educational institutions schedule, when:

• You have a valid study permit with the R186(v) work condition, and
• You are enrolled full-time before and after the break

It is very important that you visit our immigration policy page for what is considered a regularly scheduled break at Waterloo. IRCC explains on their website that if a student creates their own break, it is considered a leave from studies rather than a break, and the student is not eligible to work on or off campus in Canada during that break. This is the case even if a program sequence change is approved by the University.

IRCC has a definition of what it means to work in Canada. Work is an activity for which someone is making money and/or impacts the Canadian labour market. If a position is considered “work” then you must follow the immigration policies for working in Canada. Self-employment or an unpaid job done by a student are very likely considered work by IRCC. Visit the link above for what kinds of activities are not considered “work”. A true volunteer position would not require full-time enrolment or have a limit on hours.

• IRCC policy states that “…once a student receives written confirmation of program completion from their institution, they are no longer authorized to continue to work in Canada, as they no longer meet the eligibility criteria in paragraph R186(v).” 

  • At the University of Waterloo, “written confirmation of program completion” would be the first day you are listed as degree awarded on Quest.  For undergrad and course-based grad students, this will vary from student to student.  For research-based grad students, this will depend on the date of your thesis submission.

  • The onus is on the student to check their degree awarded status on their unofficial transcript. You could be designated degree awarded on Quest anytime between the end of your final term and the “Standing decisions and official grades are available” date posted in the official academic calendar.   

• Due to the variability in specific degree awarded dates, we strongly recommend referring to the information below to determine the best date to stop working upon finishing your degree requirements. This should minimize the risk of accidentally working without authorization: 

  • Undergraduate students: You can work full-time hours on-campus and up to 24 hours per week for off-campus employment until the end of your final term or when you are declared ‘degree-awarded’ on Quest (whichever happens first). 

  • Graduate students: You can work up to 20 hours for on-campus employment and up to 24 hours per week for off-campus employment. 

    • For course-based students: You would stop working at the end of your final term. 

    • For research-based students: You would stop working on the date you submit your thesis. 

    • For course-based Masters students who have a masters research paper in their final term: If you are in your final term and only working on your research paper (not taking other courses), then you would stop working on the date you submit your research paper. If you do have other courses, then you would stop working at the end of the term. 

The following scenarios outline how Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) policies regarding working as a full-time student relate to the University of Waterloo's enrolment rules. These are some scenarios of degree-required and non-degree required work terms – for more information about general work conditions in Canada, please refer to the above tabs

Please note:

• There may be serious consequences if you incorrectly change your enrolment status and fail to abide by the IRCC's regulations. For example, IRCC may take enforcement action and/or your future applications may be negatively impacted, such as a refused study permit, post-graduation work permit or permanent residency application.
• It is important to remain registered full-time. Post-graduation work permit eligibility requires continuous full-time study except for part-time registration in your final academic term.
• If you still hold a valid open work permit that was obtained prior to starting your studies at Waterloo and you want to use it to work more than the study permit regulations allow, please speak with one of our immigration consultants.

Your University Health Insurance Plan (UHIP) will continue in all the scenarios. Contact Student Financial Services for more information aboutyour specific situation.

1. Degree-required work term in Canada
2. Degree-required work term outside of Canada 
3. Employment through MITACS or NSERC
4. Employment that is not degree-required
5. Self-selecting as inactive

1. DEGREE-REQUIRED WORK TERM IN CANADA

If your degree includes required work term(s) that you are completing in Canada, then one of the following two scenarios apply to your ability to work on the co-op work permit. 

Scenario A: Internship or practicum 

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A valid co-op work permit listing the University of Waterloo as the employer
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations​ on hours:

• You can work full-time hours at your internship or practicum.
• In addition to your full-time internship or practicum, you can also work off campus for another employer. You're limited to 24 hours per week. Also, your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.

Scenario B: Co-op 

What you need:

• Current registration in a co-op program
• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A valid co-op work permit listing the University of Waterloo as the employer
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to co-op 

Limitations​ on hours:

• You can work full-time hours at your co-op job.
• In addition to your full-time co-op, you can also work off campus for another employer. You're limited to 24 hours per week. Also, your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.

In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can also work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.

2. DEGREE-REQUIRED WORK TERM OUTSIDE OF CANADA

If your degree includes required work term(s) that you are going to complete outside of Canada, then the following scenario applies to your ability to work.

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA are required for your return to Canada
• You are responsible for obtaining country specific work authorization (Contact the embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in Canada that represents the country in which you want to work)
• If you are in a co-op program, and completing a degree-required co-op work term abroad, apply to change your enrolment status to co-op 
• If you are completing a degree-required internship or practicum abroad, apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations on hours:

• You can work full-time hours

3. EMPLOYMENT THROUGH MITACS OR NSERC

The following three scenarios apply to graduate students who will be working with funding from Mitacs Accelerate Fellowship, NSERC Connect Grant, or NSERC CREATE. 

Scenario A: Off-campus employment in Canada

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations on hours:

• You can work up to 24 hours per week off campus and, depending on the term, full-time hours off campus during Fall and Winter Reading Weeks, and the University holiday closure in December. Your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.
• In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can also work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.

Scenario B: Employment outside of Canada

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA are required for your return to Canada
• You are responsible for obtaining country specific work authorization. (Contact the embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in Canada that represents the country in which you want to work)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations on hours:

• You can work full-time hours

Scenario C: Employment on campus (NSERC CREATE)

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Enrolment status does not change, stays as full-time student

Limitations on hours:

• In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.
• You can also work up to an additional 10 hours per week on campus toward this program.

You can also work up to 24 hours per week off campus and, depending on the term, full-time hours off campus during Fall and Winter Reading Week, and the University holiday closure in December. Your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.

4. EMPLOYMENT THAT IS NOT DEGREE-REQUIRED

Even if you do not have a degree-required work component in your program, the scenarios below indicate other opportunities to work on a study permit.

Scenario A: Off-campus employment in Canada related to your thesis or academic program

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations on hours:

• You can work up to 24 hours per week off campus and, depending on the term, full-time hours off campus during Fall and Winter Reading Weeks, and the University holiday closure in December. Your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.
• In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can also work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.

Scenario B: Employment outside of Canada related to your thesis or academic program

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA are required for your return to Canada
• You are responsible for obtaining country specific work authorization (Contact the embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in Canada that represents the country in which you want to work)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to full-time off campus

Limitations on hours:

• You can work full-time hours

Scenario C: On-campus employment related to your thesis

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Full-time enrolment status; however, if it is your last term of your degree, you can apply to change your status to part-time as long as all your other terms have been full-time

Limitations on hours:

• Graduate research studentships (GRS) are usually paid from research scholarships and grants, where you also receive support to work on your own thesis research, with no limitation on hours.
• In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can also work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.
• You can also work up to 24 hours per week off campus and, depending on the term, full-time hours off campus during Fall and Winter Reading Weeks, and the University holiday closure in December. Your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.

Scenario D: Employment in Canada not related to your thesis or academic program  

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Full-time enrolment status; however, if it is your last term of your degree, you can apply to change your status to part-time as long as all your other terms have been full-time

Limitations on hours:

• In accordance with the Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, you can work an average of 10 hours per week on campus. Your study permit has to have the R186(f) work condition stated. You can work more on-campus hours, up to a maximum average of 20 hours per week, if you obtain approval from your supervisor or graduate officer/program director if you do not have a supervisor.
• You can also work up to 20 hours per week off campus and, depending on the term, full-time hours off campus during Fall and Winter Reading Weeks, and the University holiday closure in December. Your study permit has to have the R186(v) work condition stated.

5. SELF-SELECTING AS INACTIVE 

Waterloo's graduate level programs are intensive and do not have regularly scheduled terms off. Changing your enrolment to inactive means that you are taking a leave of absence from your degree. Students who have been granted inactive status will have limited access to university services while on leave and are not expected to study or conduct research and should not expect supervisor access. It is very important to check with Graduate Studies and Post-Doctoral Affairs (GSPA) for all the details. 

As an international graduate student taking an inactive term inside or outside of Canada, you would not meet the eligibility requirements to apply for the post-graduation work permit. R220.1(1) in the Immigration, Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR) explains that a study permit holder shall actively pursue studies and must remain enrolleduntil completion of studies; therefore an inactive term could also impact future study permit extensions due to non-compliance.

Please meet with one of our immigration consultants to discuss any concerns you have regarding immigration implications, future applications, or to discuss your individual personal circumstances.

Scenario A: Inactive status for medical or personal reasons

What you need:

• Apply to change your enrolment status to inactive
• IRCC says a leave from studies should not exceed 150 days. If the leave is going to be longer than 150 days, before day 150, you need to either apply for visitor status in Canada or leave Canada until you're ready to study again

Limitations on hours:

• You cannot legally work on or off campus in Canada on a study permit, co-op work permit, or previous employer-specific work permit

Scenario B: Employment in Canada that is not a degree requirement nor related to your thesis or academic program, and you already hold the post-graduation work permit

What you need:

• An applicable valid work permit
• A valid post-secondary study permit
• A Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to inactive 

Limitations on hours:

• You can work full-time hours

Scenario C: Employment outside of Canada that is not a degree requirement nor related to your thesis or academic program, and you already hold the post-graduation work permit

What you need:

• A valid post-secondary study permit and temporary resident visa (TRV) or eTA are required for your return to Canada
• You are responsible for obtaining country specific work authorization to work outside of Canada  (Contact the embassy, diplomatic mission, or consulate in Canada that represents the country in which you want to work)
• Apply to change your enrolment status to inactive

Limitations on hours:

• You can work full-time hours

If you have the following restriction listed on your study permit or co-op work permit, then you would not be authorized to work in certain occupational sectors. 

Not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health service field and agricultural occupations. 

This restriction appears on your permit when an immigration medical examination was not completed in the last 12 months before the permit was approved.  By having this restriction listed, you would be unable to work in any of the following occupations: 

• Health sciences worker 
• Clinical laboratory worker 
• Patient attendant in nursing or geriatric homes 
• Medical student admitted to Canada to attend university 
• Medical elective and physician on short term assignment 
• Teacher of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children
• Domestics worker, someone who gives in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
• Day nursery worker
• Not authorized to work in agricultural occupations

If you are working in health services or childcare setting, but don’t have one of the job titles listed above, you would still be restricted from working. For example, all occupations in a hospital from janitor to doctor require a medical exam, not just those who are in health services occupations, and all employees in a day care require a medical exam, not just the teachers. 

Next steps:

1. If you have the not authorized to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health services field occupation, agricultural occupations restriction, and want to work in these fields, please book a same-day appointment with an immigration consultant
2. If you plan to work in childcare, primary/secondary school teaching, health services field occupation, agricultural occupations and have not completed an immigration medical exam in the past, and do not have the restriction, please book a same-day appointment with an immigration consultant