The agency said students can only work in Canada if the conditions listed on their study permit authorize them to work on or off campus. Canada’s immigration authority has issued a fresh reminder to international students, warning that they can work in the country only if their study permit explicitly allows it and that violating work conditions could have serious consequences, including the loss of student status and possible removal from Canada. In a recent post, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) highlighted key rules that international students must follow while working during their studies. “Important information for international students who plan to work while studying:
What the rules say
IRCC also says people working without authorisation face greater risks of unsafe conditions, wage theft, abuse and forced or unpaid labour. IRCC says people who work legally are protected by Canada’s labour laws and can contact provincial or territorial labour standards offices without their employer’s permission. A study permit is the document that sets out these terms, and holding one does not give automatic permission to take a job. The department’s wider warning about unauthorized work, which applies to anyone working in Canada without permission, lists further risks. These include removal from Canada, a permanent record of fraud with IRCC and a five-year ban on returning. Such a record can also hurt the chances of future applications being approved, including for permanent residence. IRCC’s guidance for workers also lists warning signs of immigration fraud, which students may encounter when looking for jobs. These include anyone who promises a work permit or job offer in exchange for payment, asks for documents or payment through social media, or offers free room and board in return for work.