Working off campus

Can I work off campus?

You can work off campus if you meet the following conditions:

• You have a valid study permit or are on maintained status.
• The conditions on your study permit state that you can work off campus. 
• You have started studying.
• You are enrolled as a full-time student and returning to full-time studies, unless it is your final semester. Refer to the IRCC website for details. 
• You have a valid SIN.

How many hours can I work?

As of November 8, 2024, international students who meet the above-mentioned conditions can work up to:

• 24 hours a week off campus during regular academic sessions
• Full-time hours off campus during regularly scheduled breaks (such as winter holidays, spring/summer break-if applicable to your program, and reading break as stated in the Academic Calendar). 

Important to note:

• If you are on a leave of absence, or away from studies other than a scheduled break, you cannot work.
• Refer to the Academic Calendar for a list of specific dates.

When are my scheduled breaks?

At Ontario Tech, scheduled breaks include the following. 

*Graduate students: Check with your program staff to confirm if you have a scheduled break in the spring/summer or if you must be continuously enrolled. Spring/summer is considered one semester. If you do not have a scheduled break for spring/summer and you only register for a six-week course, you are still considered to be enrolled throughout the whole spring/summer semester and would be limited to working up to 24 hours per week off-campus until the semester end date. 

Expecting to graduate at the end of the current semester

If you plan to apply for the Post-graduation work permit

You may work off campus on a part-time basis (up to 24 hours a week) if the following applies:

• You meet the eligibility criteria to work off campus
• You have completed the final academic requirements for your program of study but have not yet received written confirmation of program completion Ex. official email from the university, transcript, letter
• You have not applied for a PGWP or a study permit extension or enrolled in a subsequent program of study

If you plan to apply for a new program of study 

If you have accepted an offer of admission to begin your new program within 150 days of graduating from Ontario Tech, you may work full-time if the following applies:

• You meet the eligibility criteria to work off campus
• You have received written confirmation of program completion from Ontario Tech (for instance, a transcript or an official letter)
• You have submitted a study permit extension application before your current study permit expires

Please refer to IRCC's webpage on off-campus work and completion of a program of studies for more information.