Working in Canada | I am an international student | Seneca Students

Working in Canada and Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Many international students may be eligible to work on or off campus. However, you will need the condition on your study permit allowing you to work. Your study permit should indicate that you “may accept employment or may work” in Canada.

You will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work in Canada. You can apply online. There is no fee to apply for a SIN number. 
For more information, contact Service Canada:

• from within Canada: 1.866.274.6627
• from outside Canada: 1.506.548.7961

You are required to post your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) in your profile on Student Home.

Working On Campus

You can work unlimited hours on your school campus during regular academic terms or on scheduled breaks, as long as you have:

• a valid study permit or on maintained status
• conditions printed on your study permit that allow you to work on campus
• started a full-time Seneca program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
• full-time student status throughout each academic term, except the last term, and
• have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

“On-campus” means you can work at all the buildings on your school campus. If your school has more than one campus, you may only work at the campus where you’re studying in most cases.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s Work on campus web page.

Working Off Campus

As of November 8, 2024, international students who are in Canada and have permission to work off campus will now be eligible to work up to 24 hours a week during regular academic term or unlimited hours during a scheduled break.

To work off campus, international students must have:

• a valid study permit or on maintained status
• conditions printed on your study permit that allow you to work off campus
• started a full-time Seneca program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
• full-time student status throughout each academic term, except the last term
• have received a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

More information is available on the Government of Canada’s Work off campus as an international student web page

Work as a Co-op/Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Student

As of April 1, 2026, you don’t need a separate co-op work permit for student work placements (co-ops, internships or work-integrated learning).

Students may now use the on-campus work authorization printed on their study permit (“May accept employment on campus”) to participate in work placements essential to their program, including in locations outside of campus boundaries, provided they meet all the eligibility requirements. 

Students who will complete WIL placements in vulnerable sectors (childcare, healthcare and senior services) will require an immigration medical exam. Complete this exam before submitting your study permit application to ensure you receive the correct authorizations.

You must ensure you maintain full-time status (unless you’re in your last term of studies) and the work placement must be 50% or less of your program.

Students can still work off campus up to 24 hours a week using the off-campus work condition of their study permit, in addition to their work placement. 

If you already applied for a co-op work permit prior to April 1, this permit is no longer necessary, and you will receive a communication from IRCC. No action is required from you.

Looking for Jobs in Canada

There are many ways in which you can search for job opportunities. Students are encouraged to visit these resources:

• Seneca Works
• Government of Canada - Job Bank

Seneca has many resources available to help you prepare to find a job. Job preparation services such as resumé citique, interview preparation and career fairs are also available through Seneca Works.