You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from Service Canada to work in Canada or to receive benefits and services from government programs. You must have one of the following conditions or remarks printed on your study permit in order to apply for a SIN for off-campus work:
- May work 20 hrs per week off-campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in section 186(v) of IRPR
- May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria as per R186(f), (v) or (w). Must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria
If your study permit does not have one of the above conditions or remarks, you must submit a request for an amendment to your study permit before you can apply for a SIN. There is no fee for this request. If your study permit has the following note: "This permit does not permit the holder to engage in off campus employment in Canada", printed on it and you have changed your program of study, you must apply to change the conditions of your study permit and pay the applicable fee.
