Working and Volunteering
As an international student at Western University, you may be able to work in Canada. Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to work on-campus or off campus.
Eligibility for working in Canada
The main requirement for working in Canada is that your study permit must authorize you to work . It should indicate one of the following on your study permit:
- May accept employment on the campus of the institution at which registered in full-time studies
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.
If your study permit does NOT indicate eligibility to work, you will need to apply for an amendment to your study permit. This process can often take several weeks and you will not be able to begin work until it is completed. Please book an appointment with an International Student Advisor for more information.
You can work up to 24 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled breaks. As an undergraduate student, to work full-time in the summer, you must be a full-time student in a program before and after the scheduled break. As a graduate student, you are expected to be enrolled across all three terms of the academic year. Summer is not considered a scheduled break, so you are ineligible to work full-time.
Note: ESL, exchange, and visiting students may not work off campus. If you are an ESL, exchange, or visiting student and wish to work on campus, you must hold a study permit and be registered as a full-time student.
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Working on campus
In order to work on campus, students must hold a valid study permit, maintain full-time status at the designated learning institution (DLI) and get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada.
Learn MoreWorking off campus
In order to work off campus, students must hold a valid study permit, maintain full-time status at the designated learning institution (DLI), get a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada and study in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate and must be at least six months long.
Learn MoreWork Study (on campus)
International students who are eligible to work in Canada may apply for part-time on-campus positions through the Work Study Program.
Learn MorePost-graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a one-time opportunity that allows eligible international students to gain Canadian work experience after graduation. Students don't need a job offer to apply for a work permit. The PGWP is not employer specific, you can work anywhere in Canada and the job does not need to be related to your degree.
Learn MoreCo-ops and internships
As an international student, you may be able to participate in a co-op, internship, practicum, placement or additional experiential learning activities.
Learn More
