I'm an International student. Can I work off-campus while attending RDP?
Last Updated: Feb 04, 2026    Views: 5

International students at RDP can work off-campus without a work permit if they meet these requirements:

  • You're a full-time student at RDP (exception: you are allowed to study part-time during your final term)
  • Your study program:
    • is at least 6 months long and
    • leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • You have started studying in your program
  • You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Your study permit includes the conditions which allow you to work

How many hours can you work off-campus?

During regular terms

International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during a regular term at RDP. The regular terms at RDP are Fall (September to December), Winter (January to April), Spring (May and June), and Summer (July and August). Spring and/or Summer terms are often considered a scheduled break.

During scheduled breaks: Fall and Winter Breaks (or Reading Weeks)

RDP's Fall Break is in October and the Winter Break is in February. These are scheduled breaks. International students can work unlimited hours off-campus during a scheduled break at RDP.

A scheduled break: 

  • must be scheduled by RDP
  • must last at least 7 consecutive days

A statutory holiday on its own, or one that creates a long weekend, is not a scheduled break. However, when the statutory holiday falls within a scheduled break, it counts toward the number of consecutive days. 

Taking into account all scheduled breaks, you can only work unlimited hours off-campus for a total of 180 days during a calendar year.

During scheduled breaks: Spring and/or Summer

International students can work unlimited hours during the Spring/Summer scheduled break if:

  • you are not required to take classes during Spring and/or Summer term
  • you meet the requirements to work off-campus
  • you are a full-time student before the break
  • you will be a full-time student after the break
  • you are not starting a new program after the break (changing programs)

This break starts the day after the last day of final exams and ends the day before the first day of classes.

Taking into account all scheduled breaks, you can only work unlimited hours off-campus for a total of 180 days during a calendar year.

Visit these Government of Canada websites to learn more:

Questions? Contact International Services:




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