Working while you study

A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number issued by the Government of Canada and used exclusively by you. Your SIN is confidential and you should protect it. We recommend that you store any document containing your SIN in a safe location and do not keep it in a wallet or on your person. 

• Your study permit must indicate that you are authorized to work in Canada before you can apply for a SIN. 
   
• You will need a SIN to work in Canada or to have access to government programs/benefits. 
   
• If your study permit does not have work conditions on it, you can request an amendment to have them added. 

Apply Online:

• Avoid waiting in line at the Service Canada Centre
• Can complete from the comfort of your own home
• If application is complete with all required documents, it will be processed within 5 business days 
• You'll be able to view your SIN in your My Service Canada Account (MSCA)

Apply in-person at a Service Canada Centre:

• Find a Service Canada Centre near you here.  

Required Documents

To apply for your SIN, you will need: 

• Your valid study permit (with work conditions/remarks)
• Your valid passport 
• Supporting document with your name and Alberta address on it (a utility bill/rental lease/ “Verification of Enrolment letter” from the Bridge)

For more detailed information on how to apply, visit the Service Canada website.

Note: Do not share your SIN unless it is required. See here for who can ask for your SIN and who cannot.

Note: IRCC announced that as of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off campus up to 24 hours/week during regular academic sessions.   
 

As a full-time uLethbridge student (registered in a minimum of 9.0 credit hours [3 credit courses]) in an undergraduate or graduate program, you may be eligible to work:

• On Campus, an unlimited number of hours/week 
  • You may be employed on campus by the educational institution, a faculty, a student organization, or a private business/private contractor which provides a service to the campus (for example, SUBWAY, Tim Hortons, Hiroba, etc). You can find some student jobs posted here.
     
• Off Campus, up to 24 hours/week while studying
  • If you are interested in searching for a job off campus, try looking at local job listings in newspapers or browsing online job-search websites such as Indeed and Kijiji. You are not eligible to work off campus if you are enrolled part-time, in Open Studies or in English for Academic Purposes, or if you are a visiting student. More restrictions may apply; click here for additional details.
     
• Scheduled breaks 
  • Undergraduate students can work an unlimited number of hours/week during the Fall Term Break, Winter Term Break, Summer Break, and the periods between regular academic terms. 
  • Graduate students can work an unlimited number of hours during the periods between academic terms. 
  • Review the Academic Calendar for specific dates. 

Note: If at any time during a Fall or Winter term you become a part-time student, you must stop working.

Important Considerations: 

• If your study permit does not have work conditions on it, you can request an amendment to have them added. You must have work conditions on your study permit before you can apply for a Social Insurance Number.  
   
• Before deciding to pursue employment, you should carefully consider how much time you will be able devote to working weekly without impacting your ability to keep up with your studies. Most undergraduate courses require at least two hours of individual work outside of the classroom for every hour of class time.
   
• You and your employer are expected to adhere to Alberta Employment Standards. It is a good idea to read up on employment standards to know what you are entitled to in terms of wages, work hours, and vacation.
   
• We do not recommend that you rely on part-time employment to finance your studies. Anticipated funds from working in Canada will not be accepted by the IRCC as adequate proof of funds when applying for your study permit.
   
• If you need advice with your job search, or with putting together a cover letter and resume, visit Career Services.

Co-op is available to all uLethbridge students. To be eligible for co-op, you need to have completed at least one term at uLethbridge and register for the Co-op Admission Course through Career Bridge.

It is possible that your program may require you to complete some work experience as a co-op or practicum student. You are eligible to apply for a co-op work permit if:

• You have a valid study permit
• Working is a necessary part of your study program in Canada
• You have a letter from the university that confirms that you will need to complete a work placement to get your degree
• Your co-op or internship is 50% or less of the total program of study

For more information on co-op, please visit the Career Bridge website.