Off-campus work

Off-campus work is work that takes place on any location outside the boundaries of the campus at which a student is registered.

Some volunteer positions and internships (paid or unpaid)  may be considered work by IRCC – for example, if you volunteer for a job that is normally performed by paid employees (photocopying, customer service, etc.), it is considered work regardless of whether you are paid or not. Review the meaning of work according to the IRCC definition to decide. If your volunteer position or internship is considered work, you must have the appropriate work authorization before you start.

Students in graduate degree programs who meet UBC's definition of full-time for immigration purposes are normally considered to have an ongoing, full-time relationship with the university and therefore may work off campus a maximum of 20 hours per week throughout the year, including summer. They may work full-time during Reading Week and breaks between terms. 

Students in undergraduate degree, certificate and diploma programs who meet UBC's definition of "full-time" for immigration purposes may work off campus a maximum of 20 hours per week during the regular academic year (September to April). They may work full-time during academic scheduled breaks (summer, Reading Week, and breaks between terms) if they are eligible for a scheduled break, hold full-time status during the academic term prior to, and subsequent to, the academic break.

Students in their final term, regardless of when the final term occurs, may work off-campus up to 20 hours/week until their letter of completion becomes available. Once a letter of completion becomes available, you may work full-time if you meet the requirements outlined in the “if you are completing your UBC academic program” section or else, you must stop working.

You must have a co-op work permit if your work (e.g. co-op placement or internship) is integral to your program of study. Your co-op work permit can only be used for this kind of work and you may simultaneously hold a co-op work permit and work off-campus if you meet the criteria for each.

If you are transferring between educational institutions within Canada, either in or out of UBC, you need to login to MyCIC to tell Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that you have transferred. See IRCC's website for more information.