Can my 17-year-old son work while he’s on a study permit in Canada?
I was issued a work permit under a federal government program that allows non-Canadians to work here. I’ll be coming to Canada in a few months to start my job, and my son will be accompanying me. He wants to know if he can get a part-time job while he attends high school.
Dinora
Vancouver, BC
Whether your son is allowed to work during his studies in Canada depends on whether he has a valid work permit. Foreign nationals need to have a work permit in order to secure a job in Canada.
Often, work permits are issued as part of the application for a study permit. Double check the terms of your son’s study permit to see if it includes a work permit. Note that even if your son has a valid work permit, that work permit may put very important restrictions on his employment. As well, BC has laws that limit the types of work minor children are allowed to perform and what supervision is required. We explain them here.
The rules around work permits can be complex. Consider seeking help from an immigration lawyer or settlement agency if you need assistance.
Richard Johnson
Ascent Employment Law