Working in Canada

Students who possess a valid study permit may be eligible to work on and/or off campus without a Work Permit. Visit the Working On Campus and Working Off Campus pages for more information about eligibility and requirements.

Students who possess a Co-op Work Permit in combination with a valid study permit may also be eligible to work on and/or off campus without a Work Permit. Visit the Co-op Work Permit page for more information about eligibility and requirements.

International students who graduate from an eligible post-secondary program may be eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). A PGWP qualifies the holder to stay and work in Canada up to three years. Visit the Post-Graduation Work Permit page for more information about eligibility, duration, and requirements.

When you receive your study permit at the Canadian port of entry, immediately check to see if it authorizes you to work in Canada (e.g. “may accept employment” or “may work”). If this information is missing from your study permit, ask the Canadian Border Services agent to update your study permit with the necessary work authorization before you leave the Canadian Immigration area.

If your study permit does not authorize you to work on and/or off campus, and you discover this information after you leave the Canadian port of entry/Canadian Immigration, you must apply to amend your study permit (refer to Amending your Study Permit section below).  

To work, file taxes, and access government programs and benefits in Canada, you require a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To get paid by an employer and to open a Canadian bank account, you require a SIN. To be eligible for a SIN, your study permit must provide you with authorization to work on and/or off campus. For more information on when, where, and how to apply for a Social Insurance Number, visit the Social Insurance Number page on the International Centre website.

Some volunteer positions may be considered “work” by the IRCC (e.g. volunteer duties that may be normally performed by a paid employee). If so, the volunteer work may be subject to IRCC’s off-campus work rules. Learn more about IRCC’s definitions for work and volunteering here.

As an international student, you cannot work in Canada if any of the following is true:

• Your study permit does not authorize you to work on or off campus.
• You are in Canada on a short-term program (e.g. less than 6 months) and you do not have a study permit or a work permit.
• You are registered in general interest courses which do not lead to a degree or diploma at Dalhousie.
• You are registered in a qualifying course or program that is required for admission into degree or diploma program at Dalhousie.
• You are registered in an English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) program. Note: students who are enrolled in a degree program that includes an ESL/FSL component may be eligible to work off campus only after completing the ESL/FSL component.
• You are on an authorized leave from your studies.
• Your situation changes and you no longer meet the requirements to work on or off campus.

If you have questions about your eligibility to work in Canada, speak with an International Student Advisor.

Go to the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

1. Complete the IMM 1436 application form.
   You can find the Guide to Completing the IMM1436 form (114KB) here.
2. Gather the following supporting documents:
   • Original study permit (please make a true copy of your study permit for yourself. You should also take a picture of your original permit and save it in a secure place)
   • Certified true copy of entry passport page (showing only passport number, date of issue and expiry, photo, name, date, and place of birth. You can make a true copy at the International Centre)
   • Photocopy of Nova Scotia ID, if applicable
   • Confirmation of enrolment letter showing you are enrolled for future terms (available at the Registrar's Office for undergraduate students and the Faculty of Graduate Studies for graduate students)
   • Dalhousie Letter of Acceptance/Admission 
   • Proof of urgency. Visit the IRCC website to see if you qualify for urgent processing  

1. Purchase a large envelope. 
2. Insert your application and supporting documents in the envelope. 
3. Print the mailing address on the envelope. It should be mailed to:
   • Amendment to the Record of Landing, Confirmation of Permanent Residence or Temporary Resident Document, Operations Support Centre (OSC), Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1L1
4. Print your name and address at the top left-hand side of the envelope. A
5. ffix sufficient postage (top right of the envelope). This can be done at any Canada Post outlet. 
6. Mail the envelope. If you prefer, you have the option of sending your application using courier mail.

Important Information

After you submit your application, IRCC may contact you for additional documents. If you are contacted, make an appointment with an International Student Advisor to ensure you respond accurately and punctually to the IRCC request.