Working in Canada

As an international student, there are several types of work you can do in Canada.

For more information about work permits, please visit the Student Services office or contact Emily Wang, the International Student Advisor at m.wang1@fdu.edu.

Work Options While Studying in Canada

  • As an international student you may accept part-time employment on campus as long as you are a full-time student at FDU Vancouver Campus and hold a valid study permit. “On campus” is defined by IRCC as employment facilities within the boundaries of the campus. Your employer can be the university, a private business contractor who provides services to the university or yourself (e.g., as a private tutor), or a private business or private contractor providing services to the institution on the campus. Students are not required to have a work permit to work on campus.

  • An international student with a valid study permit, who is pursuing full-time studies in a undergraduate or graduate program at FDU Vancouver Campus is eligible to work off campus. As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours per week during academic semesters (Spring and Fall semesters at FDU Vancouver) without a work permit. Make sure you meet the other requirements for working while you study. For more details, please visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html

  • All international students need to obtain a co-op work permit and study permit for the internship program.

    You cannot use your co-op work permit for any employment other than an internship required for your program.

  • Upon graduating, FDU Vancouver students are eligible to apply for a three-year post-graduate work permit. A post-graduate work permit allows you to live and work in Canada, after graduation for up to three years.

    New updates from IRCC:

    • New rules about where to apply for a PGWP

    As of June 21, 2024, you can no longer apply for a PGWP at a port of entry (airport, land or marine border) when entering Canada.

    • Language requirement

    Starting from November 1, 2024, you must prove your English or French language skills with a minimum level of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 in English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) 7 in French in all 4 language areas if you graduat with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from FDU Vancouver.

    • Field of study requirement:

    There are no field of study requirements for university graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from FDU Vancouver. Graduates are eligible for a PGWP regardless of their program of study.

  • A medical exam is needed before you submit your application if you intend to work in one of the following jobs:

    • health sciences worker
    • clinical laboratory worker
    • patient attendant in nursing or geriatric homes
    • medical student admitted to Canada to attend university
    • medical elective and physician on short term assignment
    • teacher of primary or secondary schools or other teachers of small children
    • domestics worker, someone who gives in-home care to children, the elderly and the disabled
    • day nursery worker

    This is required even if your position is unpaid. See IRCC website for more detailed information.