employment in canada

On-campus employment

International students in full-time studies are permitted to work on-campus without a work permit, but should not expect to find on-campus work, as very few jobs are available.  More information on on-campus employment opportunities is available at Ejobs under Other: BCIT Student Employment Program. 

Co-op work permit

International students are permitted to work off-campus if it is an integral part of the study program, such as a co-op program. The work component must be less than 50 percent of the total length of the program, and must be directly related to your program.  There is no charge for this type of work permit.

Volunteer activities

The following volunteer activities do not require a work permit:

• Volunteer work that is usually unpaid, such as helping at an animal shelter, that is normally part-time and incidental to studies.
• Unpaid observation of a workplace or occupation, for example, following a geologist on sample-gathering trips. Minor tasks without a significant productivity contribution may be performed, such as clerical chores.
• Unpaid helping of a friend or family member during a visit.
• Unpaid short-term work incidental to studies that is not a competitive activity, and is performed in exchange for non-monetary reward, for example, part-time work for room and board on a family farm for 1-4 weeks.

Off-campus work permit

Eligible international students at participating post-secondary institutions can work off-campus while studying in BC and gain valuable Canadian work experience. Please contact BCIT’s international student Centre to find out if you qualify for this program.  More information on job opportunities is available at Ejobs. 

The application kit is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.

Post-graduate work permit

Once you have successfully completed a credential at BCIT you have 90 days, from the date your final grades are posted, to apply for an open work permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. Depending on the length of your program, CIC may grant you anywhere from 8 months to 3 years.  

The application kit is available on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.