#  [Foreign workers and work permits](/working-ubc/foreign-workers-and-work-permits) 

In some circumstances, qualified foreign workers can be hired as staff or faculty at UBC with a valid work permit. International student employees do not require a work permit as long as they hold a valid study permit that allows them to work on campus.

## Eligibility of foreign workers

When hiring staff and faculty members, UBC gives hiring preference to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If  a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident cannot be identified and the position is offered to a qualified foreign national, you can work with UBC's Human Resources team to acquire a work permit for the new employee.

### Work permits

Foreign workers (those who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents) require a valid work permit to work in Canada. A work permit is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The valid work permit must include:

- “UBC” or “Open” as the employer
- the specific  occupation, or open
- Valid start and end dates that cover the appointment period

If you are hiring a foreign faculty member please see specific information on [recruiting foreign academics at UBC](/managers-admins/recruiting-and-hiring/recruiting-foreign-academics).  If you have faculty member whose work permit is expiring please contact Faculty Relations.

If you are considering hiring a foreign staff member or have an staff member whose work permit is nearing expiration, please contact your [UBC Human Resources associate](/contact/contact-advisory-services "Contact Advisory Services").

### Student employees<a class="ck-anchor" id="foreign-student-employees" rel="nofollow"></a>

International students without a work permit can be employed at UBC, if their valid study permits contain the authorization to work condition. Students must remain actively engaged in [full-time studies](https://students.ubc.ca/career/career-resources/working-canada). Authorization to work with a Study Permit ends on the day when a student is approved for a leave of absence from their program of study or on the day that they receive confirmation that their program of study is complete.

When hiring a student employee, note that even if they don't have a work permit, they must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN). Learn more at the [Government of Canada's website](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/ei/ei-list/ei-employers-sin.html).

If you have questions on a student's eligibility to work on-campus, contact your[ UBC Human Resources associate](/contact/contact-advisory-services "Contact Advisory Services").