How many hours can you work as an international student in Canada?

Starting this fall, international students in Canada will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an increase from the current limit of 20 hours.

The change was announced in April by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who stated that the new 24-hour cap “strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes.”

UPDATE: The new regulations came into effect on November 15, 2024.

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During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work. Off-campus work includes areas outside the educational institution and its campus, including self-employment roles like Uber or DoorDash deliveries.

Not abiding by the rules could have consequences including losing a student status, not being approved for a study or work permit in the future and even having to leave the country.

Note: Until the new hourly cap is officially announced, the 20-hour limit to off-campus work remains in place.

Who is allowed to work as an international student in Canada?

Students are only allowed to work on-campus or off-campus while studying if their study permit states this information. To get an off-campus job without a work permit, international students need to meet the following eligibility requirements.

• Have a valid study permit;

• Study full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI);

• Already have started studying at their DLI and remain in satisfactory academic standing;

• Be studying in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate; and

• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

They have to be a full-time student before and after a break to work full-time during the break. For example, students can’t start work before they start their first school semester. 

Part-time students at DLIs can work off-campus if they’re in their final semester, need a reduced course load to finish, and were a full-time student in previous semesters. 

Likewise, there are some international students who are not eligible for off-campus in Canada. This includes: 

• Students only enrolled in an English or French as a second language program;

• Those only taking general interest courses;

• Those taking courses to be accepted to a full-time program; and

• Those don’t meet requirements to work off-campus.

If one of the above applies, they will need a work permit to work while studying in Canada. 

Working on-campus as an international student in Canada

For international students in Canada, finding a part-time job may be a good way to gain international experience while also covering some basic expenses. 

International students in Canada can work on-campus in addition to off-campus employment, provided they meet the necessary eligibility criteria. Unlike off-campus work, there is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus. 

On-campus work refers to employment within the buildings or grounds of a school’s campus. This includes jobs with the school itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses that operate on campus. Students can even work for themselves if they own a business that is physically located on-campus. 

If a school has multiple campuses, students are generally expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. However, exceptions are possible, such as when a student is a research or teaching assistant, or when the work is tied to a research grant. Students may also work at libraries or research facilities affiliated with the school but located outside the main campus. 

Additionally, students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit. This remote work does not count towards the  off-campus work hour limit. 

Earning as an international student in Canada

For those looking for a part-time job, minimum wage varies by province:

International students looking to maximize earnings through their part-time work can also look for higher-paying jobs, such as those in administration, teaching, or translating.   

Certain occupations and/or employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, and will be stated on the study permit.

As residents of Canada for tax purposes, students will have to file income tax returns the following year.  

Changes to international students’ working hours cap in recent years

International students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work up to 20 hours a week in Canada during regular school terms or semesters. During the pandemic, the government announced a temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week. The policy was put in place to ease the country’s labour shortage while also giving students the chance to earn more money.  

This temporary policy came to an end on April 30, 2024, with IRCC announcing it will not be extended “to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.” 

Miller claims that the reforms have been put in place so students can prioritize their education. “First and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.”

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