Off-campus work

Work that takes place outside the boundaries of the campus at which a student is registered. University-related work at facilities owned, operated or affiliated with UBC is not considered off-campus work.

Internships & volunteer positions

Some volunteer positions and internships (paid or unpaid) may be considered work by IRCC. If your volunteer position or internship is considered work, you must have the appropriate work authorization before you start. 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.

IRCC’s definition of work

Undergraduate programs

If you are studying in an undergraduate degree, certificate and diploma program or on exchange and meet UBC's definition of "full-time" for immigration purposes, you may work off campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during the regular academic year (September to April).

You may work full-time during academic scheduled breaks (summer session, Reading Week, and breaks between terms) if you are eligible to work during a scheduled break. Please refer to UBC's definition for immigration purposes.

Graduate programs & DAP

If you are studying in a graduate degree or the Diploma in Accounting Program (DAP) and meet UBC's definition of full-time for immigration purposes, you are considered to have an ongoing, full-time relationship with the university and therefore may work off campus up to a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic terms, including summer.

You may work full-time during Reading Week and academic scheduled breaks between terms if you are eligible to work during a scheduled break. Please refer to UBC's definition for immigration purposes.

If you are in your final term

If you are studying in a degree, certificate, or diploma program and are in your final term, regardless of when the final term occurs, you may work off-campus up to 20 hours/week until your letter of completion becomes available.

Once your letter of completion becomes available, you must stop working on your study permit immediately. If you meet the requirements outlined in the “if you are completing your UBC academic program” section, you may work full-time.

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.

Find everything you need to know about life as an international student at UBC's Vancouver campus.

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