Working in Canada

Co-op/Placement/Work Experience

Mohawk College offers many programs that include work-integrated learning experiences (co-op, placement, and degree work experiences).

Co-operative Education
Co-operative education is an optional academic program that formally integrates classroom learning with paid, hands-on work experience related to a student’s field of study. Co-operative education is not required to graduate from a program of study. Co-op work term models include 4, 8, and 12 month experiences. Co-op jobs are paid employment opportunities and employers pay different hourly rates depending on the position, type of company, and size of company. To learn more, please review the Co-operative Education webpage.

Placements (Field Placement, Practicum Placement, Clinical Placement)
Many Mohawk College programs include a student placement (field placement, practicum placement, or clinical placement). Placements are unpaid, range in the number of hours required, and are a mandatory component of the program of study to graduate. For a list of programs that include an unpaid placement, please review the Student Placements webpage.

Degree Work Experience
Degree programs include a mandatory 420-hour work experience to graduate. Degree work experiences can either be paid or unpaid, depending on the program of study. For a list of programs that include a work experience, please review the Degree Program webpage.

Study Permit Information
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a co-op work permit for program-required work-integrated learning activities (ie - co-op, placement, and degree work experiences). Students may now use their study permit, provided they are enrolled full-time and their permit includes appropriate work authorization conditions (e.g., authorization to work on campus or on/off campus under R186).

Attention
Some study permits include restrictions such as not authorized to work in a healthcare, childcare, ore related field. If your placement is in one of those fields, you must ensure your study permit does not include restrictions.

If you have restrictions:

• Complete an IRCC medical exam (if required)
• Apply to amend your study permit
• Receive approval before starting your placement

Full-time international students are permitted to work on-campus if their valid study permit lists a condition that says they're allowed to work on-campus and have a social insurance number. Please visit the following links to access employment opportunities on-campus:

• For more information about Campus Student Employment Program (CSEP)
• For more information about Mohawk Student Association
• For more information about Learning Support Centre

For updated information, please visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada (opens new window) website.

If you qualify, your study permit will allow you to work up to 24 hours per week:

• during regular academic sessions and
• full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.

To qualify, you must:

• have a valid study permit
• be a full-time student
• be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) at the post-secondary level
• be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration.

You will need a Social Insurance Number (opens new window). It is your responsibility to look for work. Even if you work off campus, your studies must be the main reason you are in Canada.

More information can be found by visiting the IRCC website (opens new window). If you have any questions please come to The Registrar's Office, call (905) 575-1212 or international.services [at] mohawkcollege.ca (email us).

Take a minute to read this important information if you intend to work in Canada after graduation:

• Do not work without being authorized to do so. If you do, you will be in contravention of the law and may be asked to leave Canada. Citizenship & Immigration Canada will allow students the opportunity to work up to three years after graduation without having to get a job offer and students are not required to get a job in their field of study. Read the detail on the IRCC web site (opens new window).
• International Students who have successfully completed their post-secondary or graduate certificate program have the opportunity to work in Canada for a maximum of three years or the length of their program (which ever is less). The fee for the work permit is $150. When applying to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, you must pay the "Open Work Permit Holder" fee and the standard Work Permit fee. Both fees are payable in Canadian funds only. Students usually have 90 days after graduation to apply for a work permit.
• We recommend all students plan to take advantage of this North American work experience opportunity. Getting a job offer is a difficult challenge students must plan for soon after their arrival. Good marks, student participation, good communication skills, a good resume and an ability to establish rapport and carry on a casual conversation is important in securing a job offer.

Access our Post-Graduation Work Permit Application Guide for a list of the steps to apply!

Social Insurance Number (SIN#)

In order to work in Canada you must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply early for the SIN when you begin a job. It can take up to 5 - 6 weeks to issue a SIN, and until you have this number, an employer cannot pay you.

How to Apply for a SIN#
Apply in person for your SIN# at Service Canada (Human Resources Social Development (HRSDC) Office. Visit Service Canada (opens new window) for locations and times.

Income Tax

Employment income, scholarships, and bursaries are all subject to Canadian income tax and must be reported on line 130 of a tax return as other income. Chinese students benefit from a Canada-China Tax Treaty, Article 19, that allows Chinese students to deduct this income under line 256 specifying the treaty. Students will be issued a T4A Tax Information Slip from the College.

Tax forms must be completed by April 30th. This detailed information is available at the following government web site (opens new window). Review the data on the web site then talk to an International Staff for assistance with tax issues. You can also talk to a tax representative directly by calling International Tax Services (Revenue Canada) at 1-800-267-5177.
Summary Steps:

1. On your tax return record all employment income from T4's
2. Add awards or scholarship income on line 130; (Chinese students deduct same on line 256 quoting article 19 on Canada-China tax treaty)
3. Deduct rent paid on Ontario Tax Credit Form
4. Complete Schedule 11 for your tuition calculation and carry forward amounts
5. Record the tax deducted
6. Finish Return to calculate balance owing or tax payable.

Often students are eligible for income tax refunds, so seek council early and check the government web site (opens new window) for the latest tax information.

To work in Canada, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required. You will also be required to file your taxes for income earned while in Canada. Please see below for more information.

Social Insurance Number (SIN#)

In order to work in Canada you must have both a Work Permit (unless the job is on campus) and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Apply early for the SIN when you begin a job. It can take up to 5 - 6 weeks to issue a SIN, and until you have this number, an employer cannot pay you.

Income Tax

Employment income, scholarships, and bursaries are all subject to Canadian income tax and must be reported on line 130 of a tax return as other income. Chinese students benefit from a Canada-China Tax Treaty, Article 19, that allows Chinese students to deduct this income under line 256 specifying the treaty. Students will be issued a T4A Tax Information Slip from the College.

Tax forms must be completed by April 30th. This detailed information is available at the following government web site (opens new window). Review the data on the web site then talk to an International Staff for assistance with tax issues. You can also talk to a tax representative directly by calling International Tax Services (Revenue Canada) at 1-800-267-5177.
Summary Steps:

1. On your tax return record all employment income from T4's
2. Add awards or scholarship income on line 130; (Chinese students deduct same on line 256 quoting article 19 on Canada-China tax treaty)
3. Deduct rent paid on Ontario Tax Credit Form
4. Complete Schedule 11 for your tuition calculation and carry forward amounts
5. Record the tax deducted
6. Finish Return to calculate balance owing or tax payable.

Often students are eligible for income tax refunds, so seek council early and check the government web site (opens new window) for the latest tax information.

The Career Centre offers workshops, job fairs, and networking events throughout the year, with some specifically for international students seeking work in Canada.

See a list of all employment events for international students

The Career Centre supports international students with career planning and finding work in Canada. Book an appointment with International Career Advisor, Antony Godwin, for help with career exploration, job searching, resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and online job search resources.