WORK ON CAMPUS

On September 18, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced several measures to further reform the International Student Program. The announcement includes a requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) for new graduate students in 2025 and a language proficiency requirement for post-graduation work permit starting November 1, 2024.

For more information, review IRCC’s Sep 18 New Release and Speaking Notes. We have also updated our News and Updates page and will continue to make updates when additional details are announced by IRCC. 

You may work on campus without a work permit if you meet both of the following requirements:

  • you hold a valid study permit that includes a condition stating you may work on campus
  • you are enrolled as a full-time student

Exception: 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 here.

Please refer to our enrollment requirements for international students to see how SFU defines full-time enrollment.

“On campus” is defined by IRCC as employment facilities within the boundaries of the campus. SFU students are permitted to work at any of the three SFU campuses (Burnaby, Vancouver or Surrey). Your employer may be SFU (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 “Work Study” - these positions are restricted to students who have demonstrated financial need (see the Financial Aid website for details). Not all on-campus jobs are Work Study.

Get help with the job search process

If you are seeking a job on campus, SFU Career and Volunteer Services offers a variety of resources and services to assist you, including job postings, resume help, advice on the job search and interview process, and more.