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.”
Although the exact implementation date is yet to be confirmed, the new rule is expected to take effect sometime in this month. Until then, international students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.
During scheduled breaks, like summer or winter holidays, there are no restrictions on the number of hours international students can work. Off-campus work encompasses jobs outside the educational institution and its campus, including self-employment opportunities such as driving for Uber or delivering for Door Dash.
Failing to follow the rules can result in consequences such as losing your student status, facing difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits, and potentially being required to leave the country.
Until the new hourly cap is officially announced, the 20-hour limit on off-campus work remains in effect.
Who is eligible to work as an international student in Canada?
International students in Canada are generally permitted to work under certain conditions:
On-Campus Work: Students can work on campus without a work permit if they are studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and have a valid study permit.
Off-Campus Work: To work off-campus, students need to have a study permit that allows for this. To qualify, students must:
- Be enrolled in a full-time program at a DLI.
- The program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Maintain full-time student status throughout their studies.
- They can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer holidays).
Co-op or Internship Work: If a work placement is part of their study program, students can work full-time in a co-op or internship role, provided their study permit allows it and they have a valid co-op work permit.
Students should verify their specific study permit conditions and stay updated on any changes to work regulations.
Students can only work on-campus or off-campus while studying if their study permit allows it. To work off-campus without a separate work permit, international students must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Have commenced their studies at the DLI and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
- Be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Students must be full-time before and after a break to qualify for full-time work during the break. For instance, they cannot start working before the beginning of their first academic semester.
For international students in Canada, working on-campus is an excellent opportunity to gain international experience and help with basic expenses.
In addition to off-campus employment, students can work on-campus as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Unlike off-campus work, there are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work on-campus.
On-campus employment includes jobs within the school’s buildings or grounds. This can involve working for the institution itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses operating on campus. Students can also work for themselves if they have a business located on-campus.
If the institution has multiple campuses, students are usually expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. Exceptions may be made for research or teaching assistants or positions related to research grants. Students may also work at affiliated libraries or research facilities located off the main campus.
Students are allowed to work unlimited hours remotely for an employer located outside Canada, as long as they follow the conditions of their study permit. This remote work does not count towards the off-campus work hour restrictions.
Conclusion
International students in Canada can work on-campus with no hour restrictions, up to 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks. Co-op and internship programs have their own specific requirements. Understanding these regulations helps international students balance their educational and professional aspirations effectively.
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