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Work in Canada

As an international student at MITT, you may be eligible to work during and after your studies. Working in Canada is a great way to gain hands-on experience, earn income, and build connections that support your long-term career goals. This page outlines your options, eligibility, and responsibilities when it comes to working in Canada—both on and off campus, and after graduation.

NOTE: Information on this webpage is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the IRCC website.

Important Note: Working Without Eligibility

If you start working but don’t meet the eligibility requirements, you risk losing your student status and may be asked to leave Canada. Always check the conditions on your Study Permit before starting any work.

Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada. You can apply for a SIN if your Study Permit includes one of the following conditions:

  • “May work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.”
  • “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v), or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.”

If your Study Permit does not include work conditions, you may need to request an amendment before applying for a SIN. Visit IRCC – Document Amendment Information for details.

CTA Button: Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Working On Campus

To work on-campus without a work permit, you must:

  • Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), such as a public post-secondary school, a private post-secondary school in Quebec, or a private institution authorized to award degrees.
  • Have a valid study permit with a condition that allows you to work on- or off-campus.
  • Hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Important: You may start working only once your program begins.

For more information on working on campus, please visit IRCC – Working On Campus.

Working hours and conditions

Full-time work is allowed, meaning there’s no limit to the number of hours you can work on campus, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.

Where you can work/who you can work for

On-campus work includes any jobs on your school campus and can be with:

  • The institution itself (e.g., the library, administrative offices)
  • Faculty members
  • Student organizations
  • Businesses located on campus, such as a café or bookstore
  • Private contractors that provide on-campus services to the school

Note: If your work relates to a research project, you may work at other locations affiliated with your school, such as libraries or hospitals.

Working Off Campus

To work off-campus without a work permit, you must:

  • Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and enrolled in a program that:
    • Is post-secondary or secondary-level vocational training (Quebec only)
    • Is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • Have started your studies
  • Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Meet the conditions listed on your study permit

For more information on working off campus, please visit IRCC – Working Off Campus.

Maximum work hours
  • During regular school terms: Up to 24 hours per week.
  • During scheduled breaks (e.g., summer/winter holidays, student success week): Full-time students, more than 24 hours per week.

NOTE: It is your responsibility to track your hours to ensure compliance with your study permit conditions.

Working after you complete your studies

You may work full-time after completing your study program if you:

  • Have applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before your study permit expired, or
  • Are starting a new study program within 150 days of completing your previous program and have a valid study permit or applied for an extension before it expired.

Please see the IRCC website for more details.

NOTE: In the last term of your study, you can work up to 24 hours per week off campus until you receive your final grades, provided your study permit remains valid.

Once your final grades are posted, your unofficial transcript will be available. At that point, you must stop working as a student.

For more details, please see the FAQs below for Can I continue to work before I receive my graduation documents?.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that allows international students who graduate from an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work in Canada temporarily after completing their studies. The PGWP is designed to help you gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can contribute to your eligibility for permanent residency

Important Notes

  • Applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024 must include proof of language ability under the Client Information section. This requirement may change in the future.
  • Check your program situation to confirm language levels and field of study requirements.

Please refer to the PGWP-aligned Programs page for a full list of eligible programs.

You are eligible for a PGWP if:

  • You completed a study program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • You maintained full-time student status in Canada throughout your program, with exceptions for:
    • Part-time studies during your final semester.
    • Approved leave from your studies.
    • Part-time or interrupted studies between March 2020 and fall 2020 due to COVID-19.
  • You apply within 180 days of graduating.
  • Your study permit was valid at some point during the 180 days after graduation.
  • None of the exceptions to the PGWP eligibility requirements apply to you

For more details about eligibility requirements, as well as requirements based on study program, physical location and field of study, visit Who Can Apply on the IRCC website.

The duration of a PGWP is determined by:

  1. The length of your completed program of study
    • For programs of 8 months to less than 2 years, the PGWP validity matches the program length
    • For programs 2 years or longer, the PGWP validity is up to 3 years
    • If you have completed more than one program, you may be eligible for a PGWP that combines the length of each program – see Program Stacking information below for details
  2. The expiry date on your passport
    • If your passport expires before you receive full eligibility, your PGWP will match your passport expiry date
    • IRCC will notify you if you need to apply for an extension to receive full validity

This policy ensures students understand the implications of study format, program duration, and passport validity on PGWP eligibility and length. For detailed requirements, see IRCC’s PGWP page.

Program stacking occurs when students complete more than one PGWP-eligible program at a PGWP-eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI). To qualify for program stacking for PGWP duration, all programs must:

  • Be at least 8 months long, and
  • Be completed within 2 years of finishing the first program

Example 1: A student completes two PGWP-eligible programs within two years
The PGWP duration may be based on the combined length of both programs.

Example 2: A student completes a non-PGWP-eligible program followed by a PGWP-eligible program
Only the duration of the second PGWP-eligible program will count for the PGWP.

Example 3: A student completes a PGWP-eligible program followed by a non-PGWP-eligible program
Only the duration of the first PGWP-eligible program will count for the PGWP. The student must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of completing the first PGWP-eligible program.

For more details, visit IRCC’s PGWP webpage.

Make sure your Study Permit is valid. If it expires before you apply, you must restore your status as a student within 90 days.

Ensure you have the following documents ready. This will help avoid delays and support a strong application.

  1. Proof of Program Completion
  • A final transcript (unofficial copy from the student portal is accepted if it shows final grades and completed practicum, if applicable)
  • A Confirmation of Completion letter (request it at csr@mitt.ca once your final grades appear in the Student Portal)
  1. Proof of Full-Time Enrollment
  • A copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing you studied full-time in a program at least 8 months long
  1. Language Test Results (for applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024)

Test results must be less than 2 years old and uploaded under the “Client Information” section of your IRCC application.

  1. Proof of Eligible Field of Study (if required)

    If your Study Permit was issued on or after November 1, 2024, and you completed a non-degree program:
  • Check if your program is listed as PGWP-eligible using CIP codes
  • Include the CIP code in your application (available on MITT program pages)

If the CIP code is missing, you must provide the appropriate CIP code along with an explanation of how your program aligns with it, especially if the program falls under the Occupations in Long-Term Shortage list.

If your program is not listed on the CIP list provided by IRCC, it may affect your eligibility for a PGWP. However, if you applied for your Study Permit before November 1, 2024, you will still be eligible for the PGWP, regardless of your program. 

For up-to-date information, visit Study program requirements – Canada.ca

  1. Medical Exam (if required)

    If you plan to work in health care, childcare, or certain agriculture jobs, you may need an upfront medical exam. Your results must be submitted within 90 days before applying.

For complete PGWP application instructions and eligibility criteria, visit IRCC’s PGWP webpage.

You can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) from inside or outside Canada. Applications must be submitted within 180 days of your program completion.

  1. Create or Log In to Your IRCC Account

    Go to the IRCC secure account to start your application. 
  2. Complete the Online Questionnaire

    Answer questions to get your personalized document checklist. 
  3. Upload Your Documents
  • Additional fees may apply for biometrics or medical exams.
  • Final transcript
  • Confirmation of Completion letter
  • Proof of language ability (if required)
  • Any other documents in your checklist
  1. Pay the Fees
  • $155 for the work permit
  • $100 open work permit holder fee
  • Additional fees may apply for biometrics or medical exams
  1. Submit Your Application

    Use your IRCC account to submit your documents and payment. After submission, check your account regularly for updates.

Important: If your study permit has expired, you must also pay the fee to restore your status ($389.75) and attach the receipt to your PGWP application.

For full details and the most up-to-date information, visit the IRCC’s PGWP application guides:

Extending the PGWP: You can only extend your PGWP if your passport expires before the full PGWP validity period. Apply on paper as indicated in the notes of your initial PGWP.

Changing PGWP Conditions: Apply on paper to update conditions, such as removing restrictions due to a pending medical exam.

For more information, please visit Extend or change the conditions of your work permit on the IRCC website.

Medical exam requirements

If you didn’t complete a medical exam before entering Canada, your PGWP might include job restrictions. Restricted jobs involve close contact with people in fields such as healthcare, childcare and agriculture.

To remove these restrictions:

  1. Complete a medical exam (chest X-ray and blood test) within 90 days
  2. Submit an application on paper to change the conditions of your PGWP

For more information, please visit Medical exams for visitors, students and workers on the IRCC website.

You may work full-time while waiting for a decision if all the following apply:

  • You had a valid study permit when you applied for the PGWP
  • You completed your study program
  • You were eligible to work off campus during your studies and followed the permitted work hours

Please keep your PGWP application submission receipt letter from IRCC, which confirms your eligibility to remain in Canada and work.

Have you received a WP-EXT Letter (IMM 0127E)?

This letter allows you to work while your PGWP application is being processed, even if the 120-day period listed on the letter has passed.

Need more proof of authorization? Submit a request through the IRCC web form.

How to show an employer you’re eligible to work

Provide them with a copy of all of the following documents:

  • Proof that you completed your program(s) of study, such as
    • The official letter from your school that confirms you’ve completed your study program or
    • An official transcript or a copy of your transcript from your school’s website
  • A copy of your study permit
    • To be allowed to work right away, your permit should say: “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w); must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria”
  • A copy of the acknowledgement of receipt from your post-graduation work permit (PGWP) application, if you applied online
    • To be allowed to work right away, the acknowledgement of receipt must have been received before your study permit expired
  • A copy of your WP-EXT for PGWP (IMM 0127 E) letter (if you received one) to prove you’re authorized to keep working, even if the 120-day validity period has expired
    • If you need proof of authorization to continue working, you can ask for it by using IRCC web form.

You can use these documents to work only until IRCC makes a decision on your application.

Important: If you don’t meet the above conditions, you must wait until your work permit is approved before starting a new job.

Working without authorization is not allowed in Canada.

If your application is refused

You must stop working immediately. Visit the IRCC PGWP webpage for details. 

If you apply for a PGWP from outside Canada

Upon PGWP approval, IRCC will issue:

If you apply for a PGWP from inside Canada

You must apply separately for a new visitor visa if:

  • Your current visa has expired, or
  • You plan to travel outside Canada

If you need an eTA to return to Canada by plane, one will be issued automatically with your PGWP.

Learn more: Visitor visa or eTA

Planning to travel while awaiting a decision?

  • You must have a valid visa or eTA to re-enter Canada
  • A PGWP alone does not guarantee re-entry

Returning to Canada

Even while your application is pending, you can continue working full-time after re-entering Canada if eligible. At the border, an officer will check that you meet entry requirements. You must have:

  • A valid passport
  • Good health and no criminal or immigration-related issues
  • Proof of ties to your home country
  • Enough funds for your stay
  • Valid medical exam results (if required)

If your previous medical exam results are expired, a new exam will be needed—even if your port of entry letter is still valid.

For more details, visit the IRCC Travelling outside of Canada page.

Frequently Asked Questions

IRCC uses your transcript, along with the Confirmation of Completion letter, to assess the requirements referred to above. 

As per IRCC instructions, you should provide an official transcript if one is available. Alternatively, you may provide a transcript copy from the MITT website (i.e., an unofficial final transcript from the Student Portal). Note that your unofficial final transcript must indicate your final grades (and completion of work practicum if that is a mandatory part of your program).

You may submit the official transcript to IRCC via web form after submitting your PGWP application with an unofficial final transcript from the portal. Keep checking your IRCC account regularly in case IRCC sends updates or requests additional documents regarding your application.

If you have a job offer, OR if your study permit expires within a month, you may request a rushed completion letter by contacting csr@mitt.ca AFTER you finish your program. Note that you need to submit the final transcript when you apply for the PGWP.

Applying for your PGWP within 90 days from your program end date is recommended.

If you were eligible to work off-campus in the last term of your study program, you may continue to work up to 24 hours per week until you receive your final grades while your study permit is still valid. Note that you must stop working after receiving your final grades. A Confirmation Completion letter is issued once your final grades appear in the Student Portal. You are not allowed to work after receiving your final grades without a valid PGWP.

If you have applied for PGWP before your study permit’s expiry, you can remain in Canada while waiting for your PGWP.

You have up to 90 days after your Study Permit expires to apply for a PGWP and restore your status as a student. To restore your status as a student, you must apply online for your PGWP and pay the application fee ($255) as well as the fee to restore your status as a student ($389.75). Because of system limitations, you must attach a copy of your fee receipts to your PGWP online application. You don’t need to make a separate application to restore your status as a student. 

You cannot work until your study permit and work permit have been approved. If you don’t apply for PGWP (or another visa or permit) within 90 days of your Study Permit expiring, or if the 90 days have already passed, you must leave Canada.

Yes. If your application for a post-graduation work permit is approved, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit. You can answer a few questions to determine what type of work permit they may qualify for.

How to Contact Immigration Services

Disclaimer: The content on this website is only a guide for MITT students, not official legal advice. Information on this website may change without notice. Students are responsible for following all IRCC regulations at all times during their studies and while they are in Canada, including requirements for permits and visas. We recommend students refer www.canada.ca or contact IRCC Client Support Centre at 1 888 242 2100 for up-to-date information.

International Students