ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS: STUDYING AND WORKING IN CANADA
Effective April 1, 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) updated the requirements for co-op work permits. Eligible international students at post-secondary institutions are no longer required to obtain a separate co-op work permit to complete co-op terms, internships, or practicums. Eligible students may use the on-campus work authorization on their 51猎奇入口study permit to participate in an SFU-approved work placement.
Work placements must still constitute no more than 50% of the total study program and be an essential component of the program. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work for their work placement. For additional details and eligibility requirements, please visit the webpage.
Working on campus: Requirements
In order to work on campus you must meet two requirements:
- You must be enrolled full time (see Full Time Status) in the term you wish to work on campus
- You hold a valid study permit that includes a condition stating you may work on campus
*If you are studying part-time in your final term of study, you may be eligible to work on campus in that term provided that you meet the specific criteria outlined by IRCC. To review the criteria for working on campus if you are studying part-time in your final term, please visit the IRCC website
The definitions, permitted hours, and eligibility requirements differ for working on or off campus. You may be eligible to work only on campus, off campus, or both. Review our Working On and Off Campus handout for more information.
Where you can work
鈥淥n campus鈥� is defined by IRCC as employment facilities within the boundaries of the campus.
51猎奇入口students are permitted to work at any of the three 51猎奇入口campuses (Burnaby, Vancouver or Surrey).
Who you can work for
Your employer may be:
- 51猎奇入口(temporary assignments)
- a faculty member
- the Student Society
- yourself (e.g., private tutoring)
- or a private business or private contractor providing services to the institution on the campus.
You may also encounter the term 鈥淲ork Study鈥� - these positions are restricted to students who have demonstrated financial need (see the website for details). Not all on-campus jobs are Work Study.
How many hours you can work
You can work as many hours as you want, in addition to working off campus, as long as you continue to meet the .
i IRCC defines on campus as "employment facilities within the boundaries of the campus." Visit the for more details.
Questions about working on campus? Contact an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist.