How international students in Canada can earn money: on-campus, off-campus and remote options explained
International students in Canada often balance study, campus life and the need to earn extra money. If your study permit allows work, there are legitimate and flexible ways to top up your income — from campus roles and local part-time gigs to remote freelancing for clients anywhere in the world. This guide breaks down what’s allowed, what counts toward your work-hour limit, practical examples of side hustles, and the steps you should take to stay compliant with immigration rules.
Quick summary: the rules you must know
- If your study permit conditions allow you to work, you can work unlimited hours on-campus.
- During regular academic terms, off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week (unless your permit explicitly states otherwise).
- During scheduled breaks (summer, winter break, reading week where applicable) you may work full time.
- Remote work rules depend on who pays you and who the employer serves: work for Canadian employers or clients counts toward the 24-hour cap; work for foreign employers with no Canadian ties is generally not counted toward the cap.
- You must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to be paid and to file taxes.
- Non-compliance can lead to loss of student status, deportation, and future application refusals.
On-campus opportunities: steady pay without hour limits
Working on campus is the safest and most flexible option for international students who meet eligibility requirements. On-campus work does not require a work permit and does not count against the 24-hour off-campus limit.
Common on-campus side hustles
- Library or front-desk assistant — circulation, customer service, light admin tasks.
- Research assistant (RA) — data collection, literature reviews, survey administration, lab support (varies by faculty).
- Note-taker / accessibility assistant — attend classes, create and upload lecture notes for students with accommodations.
- Student union or club staff — events support, social media, membership management.
- Campus-based small business — working at or running a café, bookstore stall, or student-run enterprise located physically on campus.
Why choose on-campus work?
- No weekly hour limits.
- Usually close to classes and flexible scheduling.
- Employers often understand student schedules and term-time demands.
Off-campus gigs: flexible but watch the 24-hour cap
Off-campus employment is popular but must be carefully tracked during teaching terms. The 24-hour rule applies to paid work performed for employers or clients in Canada.
Examples of off-campus side hustles
- Food delivery or courier work — app-based deliveries and local courier services.
- Pet care and dog walking — regular walks, pet sitting and house check-ins.
- Mystery shopping / retail auditing — short visits followed by online reports.
- Local in-person tutoring — academic tutoring for school pupils or fellow students.
- Hospitality or retail shifts — evening and weekend roles at cafés, restaurants or shops.
Tips for staying compliant
- Keep a weekly log of hours worked — include paid calls, meetings and commission-based tasks.
- Count all paid work performed while physically present in Canada toward the 24-hour limit if the employer or client is Canadian.
- Use school breaks to increase hours legally.
Remote work: important distinctions and practical examples
Remote work is increasingly attractive for students who want flexible schedules or higher hourly rates. The key legal distinction is whether the employer or paying client has Canadian ties.
When remote work counts toward the 24-hour limit
- You work from inside Canada and are paid by a Canadian employer or you are servicing Canadian clients — these hours usually count toward the 24-hour weekly cap.
- You work for a foreign employer (no Canadian business presence) and are paid from outside Canada — such work is commonly treated as not falling under the 24-hour restriction. However, outcomes can vary case-by-case.
Remote side hustle ideas
- Virtual assistant — scheduling, email management, data entry and admin.
- Customer support representative — chat/email/phone support for global businesses.
- Platform freelancing — writing, graphic design, web development on marketplace sites.
- Copywriting and content creation — producing blogs, ads, websites and social posts for clients.
- Online tutoring — teaching English or subject tutoring to overseas students.
Checklist before you start remote work
- Confirm who your payer is and where they are based.
- Track and record working hours, contracts and invoices.
- Ask your school’s international student office for guidance if unsure.
Practical steps and good habits for every student worker
- Apply for a SIN as soon as you have a job offer — employers need it to pay you and it’s essential for tax filings.
- Keep accurate records of hours, pay stubs, invoices and contracts. This protects you if a compliance question arises.
- Use campus resources — career services and your international student office can help find compliant jobs and explain rules.
- Prioritize tax and reporting obligations — even small earnings must be reported on Canadian tax returns when due.
- Avoid misinformation — rely on official school guidance or a qualified immigration advisor if you’re uncertain.
Risks of non-compliance: why rules matter
Working more hours than permitted, or misclassifying employment relationships, can jeopardize your legal status in Canada. Consequences include loss of student status, removal from Canada, and refusal of future study or work permits. Be proactive: understand your study permit conditions and seek help when you need clarification.
Final word
Earning money while studying in Canada is realistic and often necessary. With the right planning — a valid SIN, careful hour tracking, and clear knowledge of who counts as your employer — international students can combine academic success with meaningful side income. Explore on-campus roles for stability, choose off-campus and remote gigs to suit your schedule, and always stay within the rules to protect your status.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
