Working in Canada

As an international student at Brandon University, you may be eligible to work during and/or after your studies. Understand working hours, requirements, and permits.

Working while you study

You may work while you study, depending on your registration status and employment location. You must stop working if you are no longer enrolled or your study permit conditions change.

Work off campus

Before you start any off-campus job, both you and your employer must ensure you’re legally allowed to work without a work permit. If you begin working without meeting the eligibility requirements, you could lose your status and may be required to leave Canada.

You are not permitted to work until your study program has officially started. Starting work before then is a violation of your study permit conditions.

Check your study permit carefully — if you’re allowed to work during your studies, it will clearly state this in the conditions.

If you’re eligible to work off campus, a separate work permit is not required. Eligible students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus.

For full details on eligibility requirements and the number of hours you’re allowed to work off campus, please visit the IRCC website – Work off campus as an international student. This page contains the most current and accurate information available from the Government.

Work on campus

You can work as an international student in Canada if your study permit lists a condition that says you’re allowed to work on- or off-campus.

You can only start working when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.

For full details on eligibility and conditions for working on campus, please visit the IRCC website – Work on campus.

Co-op Work Permit

At Brandon University, Co-op is an optional program that allows eligible students to gain paid, full-time work experience related to their field of study during their degree. International students must obtain a Co-op Work Permit from IRCC, in addition to their Study Permit. It can only be applied for once you are admitted into the BU Co-op program.

For more information about our Co-op program, please visit https://www.brandonu.ca/co-op/.

See the Government of Canada website for details on work as a co-op student or intern.

Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Stay and work in Canada after your graduation. A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows you to work in Canada for up to 3 years, depending on the length of your study program.

Who can apply?

You may be eligible if:

  • You completed a degree at Brandon University.
  • You apply within 180 days of receiving your completion letter.
  • You maintained valid full-time student status throughout your program (some exceptions apply; consult with our Immigration Advisor).
  • You have not previously received a PGWP.

For full details on eligibility, application steps, and permit length, visit the IRCC website – Work in Canada after you graduate. This page contains the most current and accurate information available from the Government.

Please note that Certificate Programs offered at Brandon University are NOT PGWP-eligible.

Note: IRCC announced that effective November 1, 2024, international students must meet a field of study requirement to qualify for a work permit after graduation. Students who applied for their study visa before November 1, 2024, are exempt from the field of study requirement and may continue to pursue studies in the program stated in their Letter of Acceptance.

Connect with our Immigration Advisor for additional support!

Social Insurance Number

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a unique nine-digit number issued by Service Canada. It is required for international students who plan to work in Canada or access government programs and benefits.

How to Apply for a Sin?

You can apply for a SIN for free through Service Canada online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre.

Important Reminders

SIN has expiry dates that coincide with the expiry date of your work or study permit. If you extend your study permit or renew your immigration document, you must also renew your SIN.

Protect your SIN to avoid identity theft. Only share it when legally required — such as with employers or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

If you have questions about applying for a SIN or need assistance, you can