Jobs for Students Without a Work Permit in Canada

Canada allows international students to work under specific conditions without needing a separate work permit. These opportunities help students gain experience, support themselves financially, and integrate into Canadian society.

Eligibility for International Students to Work Without a Permit

To qualify for work without a separate permit, international students must meet specific criteria:

• Be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) on a full-time basis.

• Have a valid study permit that includes a condition or authorization to work.

• Be actively pursuing an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) issued by Service Canada.

 If the student is on academic leave or not meeting program requirements, they may become ineligible to work without a permit.

Types of Work Allowed Without a Permit

1. On-Campus Work

Definition: Employment within the campus grounds of the institution where the student is enrolled.

Examples of On-Campus Jobs:

• Library assistant

• Campus bookstore staff

• Teaching or research assistant

• Cafeteria worker

• Administrative support

Key Points:

• No maximum hour limit for on-campus work (as long as the student remains eligible).

• The employer can be the school, a faculty member, a student organization, or a private contractor on campus.

2. Off-Campus Work

Definition: Part-time work opportunities outside the school premises.

Allowed Hours:

• Up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.

• Full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., winter holidays, summer vacation, spring break).

Examples of Off-Campus Jobs:

• Retail sales assistant

• Food service worker

• Call center representative

• Delivery driver

• Warehouse assistant

Important Notes:

• Students must start studying before they can begin working.

• Exceeding the allowed work hours can violate visa conditions and affect future immigration applications.

3. Co-op Programs and Internships

Definition: Structured educational programs that include work experience as part of the curriculum.

Eligibility for Co-op Work Without a Permit:

• The work must be an essential part of the program.

• The co-op or internship cannot make up more than 50% of the total program.

• Students must apply for a co-op work permit, even though it is tied to their study permit.

Examples:

• Engineering internships

• Hospitality and tourism placements

• Media and journalism fieldwork

• Business administration co-op terms

Note: Although a co-op work permit is technically separate, it is tied to your study permit and not the same as a traditional open work permit.

Jobs for Spouses of Temporary Workers in Canada

Spouses of temporary foreign workers in Canada may be eligible for work opportunities depending on the type of permit their partner holds. These opportunities allow spouses to contribute financially, gain Canadian work experience, and integrate into the community.

Work Eligibility for Spouses of Temporary Foreign Workers

Spouses may be eligible to apply for an open work permit if their partner holds a valid temporary work permit under certain programs:

• Skilled Workers (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP).

• Spouses of those holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and working in skilled occupations.

• Spouses of provincial nominees, intra-company transferees, or participants in other specialized visa categories.

Open Work Permit Features:

• Not employer-specific – allows the spouse to work for any employer in most occupations.

• Typically valid for the same duration as the principal applicant’s work permit.

• Does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

🔍 Note: Work permits for spouses are subject to IRCC approval, and applications must demonstrate that the principal worker meets eligibility conditions.

Types of Jobs Allowed for Spouses

Once the open work permit is issued, spouses are legally allowed to take up:

General Employment Opportunities

• Full-time or part-time roles across various industries.

• Freedom to switch jobs or employers without additional permits.

• No restriction to a particular location or occupation unless specified.

Examples of Jobs Spouses Can Do

Spouses with an open work permit can work in a wide range of entry-level and skilled positions such as:

Retail Jobs

• Cashier

• Sales associate

• Store supervisor

Hospitality Jobs

• Hotel front desk agent

• Housekeeping staff

• Restaurant server

• Barista

Administrative Jobs

• Receptionist

• Office clerk

• Data entry assistant

• Customer support representative

Other Roles

• Warehouse associate

• Personal support worker (if certified)

• Delivery driver

• Call center agent

Spouses may also explore self-employment or freelancing, depending on the nature of the work and immigration policies.

Jobs for Citizens of Specific Countries Without a Work Permit in Canada

Canada maintains international agreements with specific countries that allow certain foreign nationals to work without a traditional work permit under specific conditions. These arrangements are typically part of trade agreements or reciprocal employment treaties.

Eligible Countries with Special Agreements

Canada has formal agreements with several countries that facilitate employment without a standard work permit. These agreements fall under trade and mobility partnerships such as:

1. Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)

• Formerly NAFTA.

• Applies to citizens of the U.S. and Mexico.

• Allows for facilitated entry for business professionals, intra-company transferees, traders, and investors.

2. Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)

• Applies to EU member state citizens.

• Provides provisions for independent professionals, contractual service suppliers, and business visitors to work in Canada temporarily.

3. Canada–United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA)

• Extends similar provisions from CETA to UK citizens post-Brexit.

• Permits short-term work without a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in specific cases.

4. International Experience Canada (IEC)

• Bilateral youth mobility program.

• Applies to citizens of over 30 countries, including:

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • France

  • Germany

  • Ireland

  • Japan

• Allows for open work permits under the Working Holiday category.

Types of Jobs Allowed Without a Work Permit

The type of jobs permitted often depends on the agreement and category under which the foreign national is applying.

Business Visitors

• Short-term work activities that do not enter the Canadian labor market, such as:

  • Attending business meetings

  • Negotiating contracts

  • Participating in trade shows

Intra-Company Transferees

• For employees transferring from a foreign branch to a Canadian affiliate.

• Occupations typically include:

  • Executives

  • Managers

  • Specialized knowledge workers

Professionals (CUSMA Only)

• Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico in over 60 specific professions may work in Canada without an LMIA, including:

  • Engineers

  • Accountants

  • Architects

  • Computer Systems Analysts

Contractual Service Providers (CETA & TCA)

• EU and UK citizens working under contract with a Canadian client.

• Professions must be pre-approved and meet qualification requirements.

IEC Working Holiday Participants

• Can work in almost any field, including:

  • Hospitality and tourism

  • Retail

  • Agriculture

  • General labor and admin roles

Important Notes for Job Seekers

• Permit exemption does not mean border exemption: Individuals must still meet entry requirements and may require a visitor record or work authorization letter.

• Job offers may still be necessary, depending on the program (e.g., intra-company transfers, service suppliers).

• Duration of stay and renewal conditions vary by agreement and permit type.

Conclusion

Citizens of select countries benefit from Canada’s trade and labor mobility agreements, allowing them to work without a permit under specific conditions. Whether through business visits, professional roles, or youth exchange programs, these arrangements provide an accessible pathway for short-term employment and valuable Canadian work experience.