Study and Work in Canada

You are considered to be an 'international student' if you come to Canada, on a temporary basis, for the purpose of pursuing an accredited course of study.  To study in Canada, international students require a study permit, and in some cases a temporary resident visa, issued by Canada immigration authorities outside of Canada.  Please note that if you are a Canadian Citizen or if you have  permanent residence status in Canada, you are not considered to be an international student, regardless of your country of origin.

 

For more information on what you need to secure permission to study in Canada, consult the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  This same website explains how study and work experience in Canada can make you eligible for permanent residence in Canada in the “Canadian Experience” category.

 

Working while you are a student in Canada

 

As an international student in Canada you can get a job which will allow you to earn money and valuable work experience too.   In fact the Government of Canada offers special kinds of work permits just for you. 

There are three ways to benefit from work opportunities:

 

• If you are a full-time student you can work on Saint Mary’s University campus for up to 20 hours per week as soon as your academic program begins.
• Once you have completed six months of full-time study, you can apply for an off-campus work permit. The International Centre at Saint Mary’s University conducts sessions about off-campus work permits twice a month.  Attendance is mandatory at one of these sessions if you are interested in applying for an off-campus work permit.
• As you approach graduation, you may consider working in Canada for up to three years through the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.  This program has  no restrictions on the location or the type of employment, and no requirement that you have a job offer before applying.  
  

 

These government programs require particular documentation and application processes.  The International Centre will help you to understand and navigate the system offering  Immigration Help Sessions year round.