Can I work on campus?

Eligible international students can work on campus without a work permit. International undergraduate and graduate students who would like to work on campus must meet certain eligibility criteria as outlined below.

“On campus” is defined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as employment facilities within the boundaries of the campus. Your employer can be SFU (e.g. 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. This does not include Co-op placements or SFU-approved internships or practicums. SFU students who meet the eligibility criteria to work on campus are permitted to work at any of the three SFU campuses (Burnaby, Vancouver or Surrey). Students can work on campus without a work permit if they:

• Meet SFU’s definition of full-time status in the term they wish to work on campus
• Meet IRCC’s work eligibility criteria for on campus work
• Hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). See our handout for more information on how to apply. 

If you are studying part-time in your final term of study you may be eligible to work on campus in that term. To review the criteria for working on campus if you are studying part-time in your final term, please visit the IRCC website here.