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 on your school campus, without a work permit, if you:

• are a full-time Seneca student
• have a valid study permit, 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

The Government of Canada has resumed to the original policy that international students who are in Canada and have permission to work off campus are limited to work 20 hours or less each week, as of May 1, 2024. The temporary policy to work off campus for full time hours ended April 30, 2024.

To work off campus, international students must have:

• a valid study permit that shows that you’re authorized 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 and have full-time student status
• 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

You will need to get a work permit if your study program includes a required co-op, WIL or internship placement. Find out how to apply for a co-op work permit.

Visit the Visa/Permits web page for more information.

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.