You could work on or off-campus, as your study permit stipulates that as a condition. You cannot begin to work in Canada until you have started with your study program in Canada.
You may be permitted to work on your school’s campus if you:
- are a full-time post-secondary student
- have a SIN (Social Insurance Number)
- have a valid study permit
To work as an intern or for a co-op, you must apply for a work permit to that end. To be eligible for it:
- your work must be needed to complete your program
- you must have a study permit that’s valid
- you must have a letter from your institution that confirms that every student has to work to get their degree
- your internship or co-op must be 50% or less of your study program
In case you are taking general interest courses, courses to prepare for another program, or English/French as a second language, you may not have the eligibility for a co-op work permit.
If you want to work off-campus, it’s necessary that your study permit allows you to do so. You also have to:
- be a full-time student
- be enrolled in a study program that’s 6 months long at the minimum, and leads to a certificate, diploma, or degree
- be enrolled in a post-secondary program
- have started studying
- have a SIN (Social Insurance Number)
In case you are a part-time student, for you to work off-campus,
- you must have met every criterion listed above, and,
- you must be studying part-time because:
- you are in your last semester and there’s no need to study full-time for the completion of your program
- you were a full-time student in Canada till your last semester