Working in Canada | I am an international student | Seneca Students

Working in Canada and Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Many international students may be eligible to work on or off campus. However, you will need the condition on your study permit allowing you to work. Your study permit should indicate that you “may accept employment or may work” in Canada.

You will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work in Canada. You can apply online. There is no fee to apply for a SIN number. 
For more information, contact Service Canada:

• from within Canada: 1.866.274.6627
• from outside Canada: 1.506.548.7961

You are required to post your Social Insurance Number (SIN) or Individual Tax Number (ITN) in your profile on Student Home.

Working On Campus

You can work on your school campus, without a work permit, if you:

• are a full-time Seneca student
• have a valid study permit, and
• have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

“On-campus” means you can work at all the buildings on your school campus. If your school has more than one campus, you may only work at the campus where you’re studying in most cases.

For more information, visit the Government of Canada’s Work on campus web page.

Work as a Co-op/Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Student

You will need to get a work permit if your study program includes a required co-op, WIL or internship placement. Find out how to apply for a co-op work permit.

Visit the Visa/Permits web page for more information.

Looking for Jobs in Canada

There are many ways in which you can search for job opportunities. Students are encouraged to visit these resources:

• Seneca Works
• Government of Canada - Job Bank

Seneca has many resources available to help you prepare to find a job. Job preparation services such as resumé citique, interview preparation and career fairs are also available through Seneca Works.