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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 6-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.
  • Refer to the Academic Calendar for a list of specific dates.

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