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This fall, international students in Canada will enjoy an exciting boost in work opportunities, with the weekly off-campus work limit increasing from 20 to 24 hours. This change, announced in April by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aims to strike the perfect balance, allowing students to earn more without impacting their academic performance.
While the precise start date for this new regulation is still to be confirmed, it is anticipated to roll out within the month. Until then, international students can continue working up to 20 hours per week off-campus during their studies.
During scheduled breaks, like summer or winter holidays, international students in Canada can work unlimited hours off-campus. This includes any employment outside the educational institution, such as self-employment roles with companies like Uber or DoorDash.
Failing to adhere to the work-hour regulations could have serious consequences, including loss of student status, difficulties in obtaining future study or work permits, and potentially being required to leave the country.
Note: Until the new 24-hour work cap is officially implemented, the current limit of 20 hours per week remains in effect for off-campus work.
Who Can Work as an International Student in Canada?
International students in Canada can work on-campus or off-campus if their study permit allows it. To be eligible for off-campus employment without a separate work permit, students must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Study Permit: They must hold a valid study permit.
- Full-Time Enrollment: They need to be studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Satisfactory Academic Standing: They should have already commenced their studies at the DLI and maintain satisfactory academic performance.
- Program Requirements: They must 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.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): They must have a valid Social Insurance Number.
Additionally, students must be enrolled full-time both before and aftec For example, they cannot begin working until they have started their first academic semester.
Eligibility for Off-Campus Work as an International Student in Canada
Part-time students at designated learning institutions (DLIs) can work off-campus if they are in their final semester, require a reduced course load to complete their studies, and were previously enrolled as full-time students.
However, some international students are not eligible for off-campus work in Canada. This includes:
- Students enrolled only in English or French as a second language programs.
- Those taking general interest courses.
- Students enrolled in preparatory courses for acceptance into a full-time program.
- Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements for off-campus work.
Students falling into these categories will need to obtain a separate work permit to work while studying in Canada.
Working On-Campus as an International Student in Canada
For international students in Canada, securing a part-time job on-campus can be an excellent way to gain international experience while covering some of their basic expenses.
International students can work on-campus in addition to any off-campus employment, as long as they meet the required eligibility criteria. Unlike off-campus jobs, there is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus.
On-campus work includes employment within the buildings or grounds of the school’s campus. This can involve working for the school itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses operating on campus. Students may also work for themselves if they run a business located on campus.
If the school has multiple campuses, students are generally expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. However, there are exceptions, such as when a student is a research or teaching assistant, or if the job is associated with a research grant. Students might also work at libraries or research facilities affiliated with the school but situated off the main campus.
Additionally, students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, provided they adhere to the conditions of their study permit. This remote work is not counted towards the off-campus work hour limit.
International students aiming to maximize their earnings through part-time work can explore higher-paying positions, such as roles in administration, teaching, or translation.
It’s important to note that certain occupations or employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, which will be specified on the study permit.
As residents of Canada for tax purposes, students will need to file income tax returns the following year.
Changes to International Students’ Work Hours Cap in Recent Years
Traditionally, international students in Canada have been permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms or semesters. However, during the pandemic, the government introduced a temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 40 hours. This measure aimed to address the country’s labor shortage while providing students with increased earning opportunities.
International students aiming to boost their earnings through part-time work should consider higher-paying roles, such as those in administration, teaching, or translation.
Note that certain occupations and/or employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, which will be detailed on the study permit.
As residents of Canada for tax purposes, students will need to file income tax returns for the previous year.
This temporary policy ended on April 30, 2024, with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announcing it would not be extended. The decision aims to maintain system integrity and protect students from fraud and financial vulnerability.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the reforms are designed to ensure that students focus on their education. “First and foremost, individuals coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not to work. We will continue to uphold the integrity of our student program,” he stated.
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