Canadian immigration laws are always subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The website was prepared by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) in compliance with the Canadian Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and procedures change frequently, and so the requirements and procedure for working while studying may have changed. This page was updated on July 01, 2022. This page is intended for students of Humber College; the information contained herein may not be applicable to students at other academic institutions.
As an international student, if authorized, you are allowed to work while you are studying. Before you start to work in Canada, you must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
You can apply for a Social Insurance Number online on the Service Canada website.
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs. You must have a condition or remark similar to below printed on your study permit in order to apply for a SIN:
If your study permit does not have one of the above conditions or remarks, you can submit a request for an amendment to your study permit before you can apply for a SIN. There is no fee for this request.
Visit the Government of Canada website for more information on amending your study permit conditions.
If your study permit states: “This permit does not permit the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada”, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit and pay the applicable fee ($150).
Before you start working, confirm that your study permit is: 1) valid for postsecondary studies and 2) verify that your study permit allows you to work on or off-campus. You can only start working in Canada once your study program has started.
Finding a job on campus while you are a student is a great way to gain valuable work experience, develop transferable skills for employment, and learn about resources and services available at Humber College. Learn more about applying for a workstudy position from Advising & Career Services.
On-campus work includes working at any of our College campuses, including: Athletics, Student Life Programs (Orientation, Leadership, Residence, First Year Experience), Peer Programs (peer mentors, peer tutors), Indigenous Education & Engagement, Counselling, Accessibility Learning Services, Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre (SWAC), Student Events, Public Safety, International Centre, Library, Facilities, Recruitment (campus tour guide), IGNITE, as well as the academic faculties.
Humber will allow students to work on-campus 24 hours per week.
For more information, see the Government of Canada website: Work on Campus Work off Campus
If you are in a program that requires you to complete a co-op, placement, internship, or practicum, you must have a Co-op Work Permit before you begin. The Co-op Work Permit is valid only for the work placement approved by Humber.
See Humber College’s guide to get you started on your Co-op Work Permit application
International students can visit the Humber Career Centre to see job postings and for help with resumé writing, cover letter reviews, and mock job interviews.
Students may work on-campus without a work permit while they study at Humber College if they:
More information is available on the Government of Canada’s Work On Campus as an International Student page.
Students may work off-campus without a work permit while they study at Humber College if they:
Students may work up to 20 hours per week during their regular full-time academic sessions and may work full-time during their regularly scheduled breaks.
More information is available on the Government of Canada’s Work Off Campus as an International Student page.
International students who have applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit may start to work full-time until the decision is made as per s.186 (w) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (considered as maintained status) if they:
If a temporary resident (i.e. international student or foreign worker) applies for renewal of their work or study permit and their permit expires before a decision is made, they can continue working or studying under the same conditions while their application for renewal is being processed, as long as they remain in Canada. This is referred to as "maintained status"; as per paragraph 186(u) and section 189 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. For more details, please visit the Government of Canada’s Employer Information – Social Insurance Number (SIN) page, and refer to the subsection titled “Before extending employment for your employee”.
If you have further questions: attend a study permit workshop or contact us.