What Is a Work Permit?

The Work Permits Program is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and issues work permits to eligible foreign students who wish to work temporarily in Canada. The program also issues work permits to the spouses and common-law partners of work permit and study permit holders in Canada, which enable them to work during their spouse’s or partner’s term of employment or studies.

How Do I Apply For a Work Permit?

The application form and work permit application process is available online through IRCC. There is typically a processing fee for work permit applications. Please reach out to IRCC with any questions when applying for your permit. For general information prior to applying for your permit, visit the “Learn about working in Canada” section on the McMaster International Student Services website.

Note:

• Full-time MBA students: to work on campus or off campus, you do not need to apply for a separate work permit.  Your work conditions/restrictions will be identified on your study permit.
• Full-time Co-op MBA students: an additional co-op work permit will be required. In some cases, you will have your co-op work permit issued at the same time as your study permit. If the co-op work permit is not issued, you will need to apply for it separately. More information can be found on the McMaster Immigration webpage.