Work during your studies
Whether you choose to work on or off-campus, make sure you understand the requirements.
Know your rights
Working while you study is a great way to make money, meet people, and learn about BC’s work culture. However, it might be a little different to working back home. Learn about your basic rights as an employee.
Your basic work rights
When you work in BC, you have basic legal rights that make sure you’re safe at work and your employer treats you well.
When you start your job, some of the things your boss or employer must do are:
- Give you a written employment agreement.
- Not charge you a fee for giving you a job.
- Pay you at least the minimum wage.
- Give you paid rest breaks and unpaid meal breaks.
- Ensure you receive your minimum entitlements for public holidays.
- Not take money from your wages unless it is for a lawful purpose, is reasonable, and you have agreed to it in writing.
- Provide a safe workplace.
- Not discriminate against you.
- Treat you fairly and with respect.
If they don’t, they’re breaking the law. Learn more about BC employment standards here.
Work off campus
While you are attending your institution, you may work off campus without a work permit under certain requirements. Off campus work is work that takes place outside the boundaries of the campus at which you are registered. You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. Visit IRCC’s work off campus as an international student to learn more.
Work on campus
Am I eligible?
You may work on campus at the institution you are attending without a work permit if:
- You are a full-time student at an eligible post-secondary institution;
- You have a valid study permit;
- Have a valid social insurance number, or you had a SIN and are on maintained status.
IRCC does not limit the number of hours you can work on campus, as long as you maintain full-time student status at a designated learning institution. Some university employers may restrict the hours students can work.
By working on campus, you can:
- Expand your social and professional networks;
- Be more involved in the campus community, and
- Enhance your learning through work experiences in an academic setting.
For more information about working on campus, contact your post-secondary institution’s international education office.
Co-op and internship programs
Some programs include work experience as part of the curriculum. You must apply for a work permit to participate in co-op or internship programs.
- As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit to participate in student work placements required by their program, such as co-op placements and internships. Students may work for employers approved by their designated learning institution as part of their program requirements.
- This change simplifies the administrative process for students by requiring only one permit to complete a single study program.
- For more information about working as a co-op or intern, refer to IRCC’s work in a student work placement.
How do I apply?
Apply online
- Determine if you are eligible for a work permit.
- Follow the steps to complete your application online.
Apply on paper
- Download the application package.
- Complete the application and provide the required documentation.
- Mail the application form and documents to the address included in the application.