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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, 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 and work full-time 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). 

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.

Important to note:

  • If you are on a leave of absence, or away from studies other than a scheduled break you cannot work.
  • The days between two academic semesters are considered as scheduled break at Ontario Tech University. For example, if the winter semester ends on April 17, 2025 and the spring/summer semester begins on May 5, 2025, then the days between April 18, 2025 and May 4, 2025 are considered a scheduled break. The semester ends when the final exam period ends.
  • Feb 14, 2026 to Feb 22, 2026 is considered as the scheduled break at Ontario Tech University, which means that you can work unlimited hours during this period if you meet the work off campus eligibility. 
  • Refer to the Academic Calendar for a list of specific dates.

Learn more about off-campus work on the Government of Canada website.