Two Legal Ways International Students Can Work Unlimited Hours in Canada
For international students in Canada, managing both academics and financial needs can often be challenging — especially with the standard 24-hour-per-week limit on off-campus work.
However, many students are unaware that there are two legitimate and legal pathways that allow them to work unlimited hours during their studies. These options not only provide financial relief but also help build valuable experience and professional networks.
Why Working Matters for International Students
Part-time jobs play a crucial role in the lives of international students. Whether it’s to manage tuition, rent, or daily expenses, work opportunities help students integrate into Canadian society while gaining hands-on experience.
But the restriction on off-campus work can be limiting. Thankfully, Canada’s immigration and education policies allow specific exceptions that open the door to unlimited work opportunities — provided students meet certain conditions.
Option 1: Unlimited On-Campus Employment
The first and most accessible way for students to work without hourly limits is by finding a job on campus.
While off-campus work hours are restricted, on-campus work comes with no such cap, even during the academic year. This makes it one of the most student-friendly employment options in Canada.
What Counts as On-Campus Work
On-campus work includes any role within the physical boundaries of the institution where the student is enrolled, such as:
- Working in university libraries, cafeterias, gyms, or administrative offices
- Serving as a teaching or research assistant for professors
- Jobs with student-run organizations or clubs
- Running a small business (like tutoring or a coffee cart) within campus premises
- Working for private companies operating on campus — such as bookstores, cafés, or tech support
- Serving contractors providing services directly to the institution
If a student’s research work is tied to a grant or project, they may also work at off-campus research facilities affiliated with their school (e.g., hospitals or labs).
Eligibility for On-Campus Work
To qualify for unlimited on-campus employment, a student must:
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Hold a valid study permit that explicitly allows on-campus or off-campus work
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Maintain active academic status, showing consistent progress
- Be studying at:
- A public post-secondary institution (university, college, or CEGEP in Quebec)
- A private post-secondary institution in Quebec under public school regulations
- A Canadian private degree-granting school offering bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate programs
Note for Part-Time Students
Students who are in their final semester and only need a part-time course load to graduate are still eligible to work unlimited hours on campus if they have maintained full-time status in all previous terms.
This flexibility allows students to focus on completing their studies while gaining work experience and financial stability.
Option 2: Freelancing or Digital Work for International Clients
The second pathway for unlimited work hours lies in freelancing or working as an online creator/influencer for international clients.
If the work is performed for clients outside Canada, it does not count as entering the Canadian labor market and therefore is not subject to hourly restrictions.
Examples of Freelance Work
- Graphic design, writing, web development, translation, marketing, or consulting for international clients
- Social media influencing, YouTube content creation, podcasting, or online coaching targeting non-Canadian audiences
Freelancing gives students global exposure, a flexible schedule, and the ability to scale their income based on skill and effort.
Key Conditions for Freelancing
To stay compliant, the client must:
- Be based outside Canada
- Have no Canadian business address or CRA business number
- Not derive their main profits from Canadian sources
If these conditions are met, the student can legally work unlimited hours without violating their study permit conditions.
Tax Obligations for Freelancers
Students are considered Canadian residents for tax purposes, meaning they must report all global income, including freelance or influencer earnings.
Taxes may include both employer and employee portions of Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions. Consulting a tax advisor is recommended to ensure proper compliance and avoid penalties.
General Rules for International Students Working in Canada
To maintain work authorization, students must:
- Start working only after classes begin
- Maintain active enrollment at their DLI
- Extend or renew study permits as needed
- Stop working if they take an unauthorized leave over 150 days or if their permit expires
- Resume work only when full eligibility is restored
Failure to meet these conditions can affect not just work eligibility but also future immigration opportunities, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
How Working Impacts Permanent Residency (PR)
Not all work experience gained as a student counts toward PR eligibility.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Student work (on or off campus) doesn’t count toward Canadian work experience points.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Student work abroad can count toward foreign work experience points if it meets criteria.
- Category-Based Draws: Relevant experience may help qualify for targeted Express Entry draws.
The Bottom Line
Working unlimited hours — either on campus or as a freelancer — can make a huge difference in an international student’s financial independence and career growth.
By following the rules and making smart choices, students can balance their studies, earn valuable experience, and prepare for a strong future in Canada.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
