Working While Studying in Canada: Complete Guide for International Students
International students in Canada have the opportunity to work while pursuing their studies, often without the need for a separate work permit. This flexibility allows students to support themselves financially and gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Key Highlights
- Eligible international students can work:
- Unlimited hours on campus
- Up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions
- Unlimited hours off campus during scheduled breaks
- Unlimited hours for remote work with employers outside Canada
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is mandatory to work in Canada.
- Working without meeting eligibility requirements or violating permit conditions may result in:
- Loss of student status
- Future study/work permit refusals
- Possible removal from Canada
Types of Work Defined
- On-Campus Work: Employment within the university/college premises (cafeteria, library, student organizations, private businesses on campus).
- Off-Campus Work: Employment outside the campus such as retail jobs, restaurants, or freelance/self-employment like tutoring or deliveries.
- Remote Work: Employment with a foreign employer (outside Canada) that has no physical or financial ties to Canada.
Work Limits and Conditions
| Work Type | Hours Allowed | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| On Campus | Unlimited | Restricted to your institution’s campus (exceptions for research/teaching assistants). |
| Off Campus | 24 hours/week | Must meet eligibility; multiple jobs allowed within limit. |
| Off Campus (During Scheduled Breaks) | Unlimited | Break must be at least 7 consecutive days; max 180 days/year. |
| Remote Work (Foreign Employer) | Unlimited | Not counted towards 24-hour off-campus limit. Employer must have no ties to Canada. |
Eligibility to Work On Campus
Students may work on campus without a work permit if they:
- Hold a valid study permit with authorization to work.
- Are full-time students at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), such as:
- Public post-secondary institutions (universities, colleges, trade/technical schools).
- Private institutions in Quebec operating under provincial rules.
- Private Canadian institutions authorized to award degrees.
- Are in their final semester as part-time students, having studied full-time in all previous terms.
Who Cannot Work On Campus Without a Work Permit
- Students who stop full-time study (except final semester).
- Those whose study permit expires.
- Students on authorized leave.
- Those switching schools and not actively studying.
Eligibility to Work Off Campus
Students can work up to 24 hours/week off campus if they:
- Are enrolled full-time at a DLI in a program at least 6 months long.
- Have begun their studies.
- Are in a post-secondary program or a vocational program at the secondary level (Quebec).
- Are part-time only in their final semester.
Unlimited Work During Scheduled Breaks
- Permitted during school-scheduled breaks (summer, winter, reading week).
- Must be a full-time student before and after the break.
- Break must be at least 7 consecutive days.
- Up to 180 days/year allowed.
Who Cannot Work Off Campus Without a Permit
- Students whose study permit states off-campus work is not allowed.
- Those enrolled only in ESL/FSL programs.
- Students taking general interest or prerequisite courses.
- Those who no longer meet eligibility requirements.
Co-op Placements and Internships
- If an internship or co-op is a mandatory part of the study program, students require a co-op work permit.
- Eligibility:
- Valid study permit.
- Letter from DLI confirming co-op/internship is required.
- Exclusions: ESL/FSL students, general interest courses, or preparatory courses.
Remote Work Rules
Students may work remotely for an employer outside Canada if:
- The employer has no physical presence or operations in Canada.
- Payment is made outside Canada.
- Work is not tied to the Canadian labour market.
These hours are not included in the 24-hour off-campus work limit.
Authorized Leave Rules
Students may take a leave of up to 150 days, approved by their institution, for reasons such as:
- Pregnancy or health issues.
- Family emergencies.
- School closure, strike, or program deferral.
During this time, work is not permitted.
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