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Working in Canada
Whether you are a current international student looking for part-time work or you have graduated from Laurier and are exploring your options, learn more about what you need to work or volunteer in Canada.
Part-Time Work
As an international student, you are eligible to work part-time in Canada if you have:
- A study permit that indicates you can work in Canada.
- A social insurance number (SIN).
Your study permit will indicate if you are allowed to work in Canada. You do not need to apply for a separate work permit.
Your study permit must say at least one of the following:
- 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 say you are allowed to work in Canada, speak with an international student advisor to find out if you can request an amendment, and how to do so.
You must have a social insurance number (SIN) to work in Canada, whether you are working on- or off-campus.
There are two ways you can apply for a SIN card:
In Person at a Service Canada Centre
- Go to the Waterloo Service Canada or Brantford Service Canada office.
- Bring the following documents or information with you:
- study permit
- date and place of birth
- full current address
- contact phone number
- both your mother's and father's name at birth (family and given names)
Apply Online
- Submit an online application with all the necessary documents (same as above).
Avoid waiting in line at a Service Canada Centre! A completed online application with all required documents will be processed within 5 business days. You will then be able to view your SIN in your My Service Canada Account.
For more information, attend a SIN clinic. These clinics are held once each term.
Co-op Work Permit
A co-op work permit is required to participate in Laurier’s co-op program, even if your study permit says you are eligible to work in Canada. Co-op work positions are often for more than 20 hours a week and many are off campus.
You can apply for a co-op work permit if:
- You have a valid study permit.
- Work is required to complete your program of study in Canada.
- You have a letter from Laurier confirming that all students in your program must complete work placements to get their degrees.
- Your co-op placement totals less than 50% or less than your study program.
How you apply for a co-op work permit depends on if you have already applied for your study permit or not. Review the application process to determine your next steps.
Apply After You Receive Your Study Permit
If you have already received your study permit and started your studies, you can apply for your co-op work permit online through your IRCC account.
Cost: Free- Processing time: Check the IRCC website
- How to apply: Online through your IRCC account
- Documents required: Current valid study permit, letter from co-op office, passport and a digital passport-style photo
Apply With Your Study Permit
If you are applying for your co-op work permit along with your study permit please make sure you submit all documents required for your study permit and then include a letter from the co-op office stating the requirement of your program for your to participate in co-op.
If you have questions or concerns about your co-op work permit, contact Laurier International.
After Graduation
Find out what immigration options are available to you if you want to stay in Ontario or Canada after graduation.
If you want to continue your education, Laurier offers a variety of graduate programs for you to consider.
Take some time to review the programs available, including the admission requirements and program options. All policies and procedures relating to graduate studies are overseen by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies and the Graduate Students' Association acts as an advocate for all graduate students on campus.
If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies, our graduate admissions toolkit will take you through what you need to do to apply. The Career Development Centre is available to help you with your application.
After you have completed your degree requirements to graduate from the Laurier, you may work in Canada for up to three years with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
As well, effective Feb. 15, 2024, a longer, three-year post-graduation work permit will be available to those who are graduationg from a master's degree program that is less than two years and who meet all other PGWP eligibility criteria.
You must obtain a PGWP within 90 days of completing your degree requirements.
Be sure to check if you are eligible for a PGWP before you apply. You do not need a job offer to obtain a work permit.
Documents you will need for your application:
- Copy of a valid study permit.
- Copy of your passport, including the bio-data page plus any pages with stamps, visas or markings.
- Passport-style photo.
- Letter of completion from Laurier that states the length of your program.
- Copy of your official transcripts.
NOTE: The letter of completion and final transcripts are only available after your final term grades have become "official" on LORIS. You can request these documents from Enrolment Services.
The Career Development Centre continues to be a valuable resource for you and, as a Laurier graduate, you will have lifetime access to the services offered.
Book an appointment or stop by during drop-in hours for guidance and support in developing your career path, whether it's in Canada or around the world.