Working Hours in Canada for International Students

Complying with Canadian work regulations while studying, especially regarding working hours, is very important. Following these regulations ensures that you maintain your immigration status and avoid any legal problems.

In this article, we will examine the eligibility requirements for working in Canada, the number of hours you are allowed to work, and what it means to work on-campus and off-campus as an international student.

So let's see!

Eligibility Requirements to Work As a Student in Canada

Working in Canada implies fulfilling eligibility requirements, among which are:

• Valid study permit
• Enrolling in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Full-time student status
• Valid SIN or Social insurance number
• Work permit
• Compliance with work hours restrictions

This makes you eligible to work, but you must follow all these essential requirements to obtain the status of a working student.

Valid Study Permit

A valid study permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows you to study in Canada. You must get an acceptance letter from a DLI to apply for a study permit.

The process of obtaining a study permit includes:

1. Prepare documents, including a letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution, proof of identity, and proof of financial support
2. Pay the fees
3. Submit the application

If you renew the study permit:

1. Apply for renewal
2. Pay the fee
3. Submit the application

Enrolled in a DLI or Designated Learning Institution

DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students who want to study in Canada.

Here is the list of some DLIs in Canada:

• University of British Columbia
• University of Alberta
• University of Calgary
• McGill University
• Concordia University
• Dawson College
• Universite de Montreal
• University of Toronto
• Western University
• University of Waterloo

Full-time Student

You are a full-time student if you regularly attend all classes at a college, university or other educational institution.

Exceptions to the requirements for full-time student status in Canada include:

• Disabilities or specific health conditions
• A scheduled break between classes
• A practice or research work
• Family obligations or medical emergencies

Valid SIN or Social Insurance Number

To work in Canada, you’ll also need a 9-digit number, valid SIN, or social insurance number. It’s totally private. The number is essential to access government programs and benefits such as Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan; it’s also crucial for employment, opening a bank account, getting a driver’s license, health services, etc.

The steps to obtain SIN include:

1. You must be eligible
2. You must prepare documents and complete the application form 
3.  Submit the application

Service Canada issues SINs in a paper format known as a SIN Certificate.

Work Permit

A work permit is the most important document for starting work. Let's distinguish between a study permit and a work permit. A study permit allows you to study at certain institutions of learning in Canada, and a work permit, depending on your eligibility, enables you to work on or off campus or participate in a co-op or internship program.

These are the circumstances in which an international student might need a work permit:

• Off-Campus Work
• Post-Graduation Work
• Co-op or Internship Programs
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner
• Temporary Work Opportunities

Compliance with Work Hour Restrictions

Restrictions are in force regarding students' working hours. Work is reduced to a maximum of 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, with a possible increase during vacations. The goal is for the student to be maximally focused on his studies, even if employed.

If you don’t comply with work hour restrictions, there may be penalties, such as:

• Impact on immigration status
• Loss of work permit
• Ineligibility for restoration of status
• Rejection of future applications
• Deportation in extreme cases of non-compliance

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada?

Twenty working hours per week is the standard for international students. If you willingly break that rule, you also break your right to a study permit.

Here are the specifics of the regulations:

• During full-time studies, you can work up to 20 hours a week
• You can exceed that number of working hours during breaks such as vacations
• The internship program may allow work more than 20 hrs per week 
• Sometimes, the number of working hours depends on the institution where you work
• Keep track of your working hours and be compliant with the regulations advocated by the immigration authorities

We’ll break down some more details in the following paragraphs.

Working Hours During Classes

The maximum allowed working hours are up to 20 hrs per week. 

Any exceptions to this rule apply to:

• For work during scheduled breaks or
• For off-campus work

Students Exempted from 20-hour Work Limit

The categories of students exempted from the 20-hour work limit include:

• Full-time students who are entitled to full-time work during scheduled breaks
• Students with a valid off-campus work permit
• Students enrolled in cooperation or internship programs

If you find yourself in such a situation during your studies, you will be exempt from this established rule of strictly 20 hours per week. 

Working Hours During Scheduled Breaks

During scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer vacation, you can work full-time, i.e. more than 20 hours a week. Although you can earn additional income, you must still comply with all other requirements.

There are some differences when it comes to specific programs and levels of study, such as:

• Undergraduate and postgraduate studies allow full-time work during scheduled breaks
• Internship programs allow for full-time employment
• Degree or certificate programs are subject to the same rules

How Many Hours Count As Full-Time Work?

No set number of hours per week counts as full-time work. It may depend on the industry and the specific job. Your employer defines full-time work based on its business policy.

He/she must comply with all provincial laws regarding overtime pay and time between shifts.

Working Off-Campus As an International Student in Canada

You are only allowed to work in Canada once your study program begins. If you meet the requirements to work during your studies, this will be indicated in your study permit.

You can benefit from off-campus because:

• You gain work experience
• You become more financially independent
• You make connections with others within your field
• You develop skills

If You are a Part-Time Student at a DLI

Part-time student status may affect work eligibility, especially regarding levels of study, working hours, and other regulations, such as having a social insurance number (SIN).

You can only work off campus if:

• You’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
• You have a social insurance number (SIN)

• You are studying part-time only, are in the last semester of your degree program and do not need a full course load to complete your program and
• You were a full-time student in your program in Canada until your last semester
• Your study program leads to a degree, diploma or certificate

If You are on an Authorized Leave

An authorised leave of absence for international students in Canada is a temporary break from studies approved by their designated learning institution (DLI). Then you cannot work off campus, only when you return to study.

Here are the cases when you need to ensure compliance while on leave:

1. Your DLI must authorise you for no more than 150 days
2. Leave can be granted if there are medical reasons, pregnancy, family emergency, death or severe illness of a family member
3. Your school is permanently closed or due to a strike
4. You changed schools
5. You or your school have postponed the start date of your program

How Many Hours Can You Work Off-Campus

You can work up to 20 hours a week during regular school terms/semesters. You can work full-time on a scheduled break, such as winter and summer break, or reading week in the fall or spring. You can work overtime or two part-time jobs that add up to more hours than average.

Tips for managing work and study effectively include:

• Set your priorities clearly
• Make a schedule
• Be organised
• Communicate with employers

Working On-Campus As an International Student in Canada

On-campus employment is a rewarding experience that helps international students improve their skills, earn income and enrich their academic journey in Canada.

Eligibility criteria for working on campus refer to:

• Working as a full-time post-secondary student
• Having a valid study permit or maintained status
• Having a part-time course load in the final semester

If You are a Full-Time Post-Secondary Student

You can work on your school campus without a work permit if you are a full-time high school student at a public high school, such as a college, university, trade or technical school or CEGEP in Quebec. 

Then, the same rule applies to a private secondary school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec, a private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec that offers qualification programs of 900 hours or more leading to a vocational diploma (DVS) or professional specialisation certificate (AVS).

Some on-campus job examples:

• Library assistant
• Barista
• Administrative Assistant
• Campus Tour Guide
• Fitness or Recreation Center Attendant

If You Have a Valid Study Permit or Maintained Status

To work on campus in Canada, you must have a valid study permit or maintain your student status. The permit must be valid for the duration of the intended employment.

If your study permit expires before or during your intended period of employment, you must renew it before continuing to work on campus.

The steps to maintain or renew study permit status:

1. Check the expiry date of your study permit
2. Start the renewal process in advance if you see the expiration date approaching
3. Gather the necessary documents, such as an acceptance letter from your DLI, proof of financial support and a valid passport
4. Fill out the application form
5. Pay the application fee
6. Submit an application

If You Have a Part-Time Course Load in the Final Semester

Under certain conditions, you may be eligible to work part-time on campus in Canada in your final semester. However, you must have been full-time in your degree program the previous semester. Check with your DLI about the necessary authorisation to work on campus.

If you were a full-time student in each semester of your program but studied part-time in the last semester to complete the required courses, you can still work unlimited hours on campus.

Get a Social Insurance Number to Work in Canada

A Social Security Number (SIN) is an essential requirement for working in Canada and for reporting employees' earnings to the government. BorderPass simplifies the process of applying for and getting your SIN.

This is what to process of applying for SIN looks like:

1. Make sure you're eligible by having a valid work or study permit
2. Collect the necessary documents, including proof of identity (e.g. passport, birth certificate)
3. Complete the SIN application form, online or at a Service Canada office
4. Submit your application in person
5. Wait for processing

Who Cannot Work Off-Campus

You can't work off campus without a work permit in the following cases:

• Your study permit states that you are not authorized to work off-campus while you are studying
• You are enrolled in an English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) program only
• You only take the courses required to be accepted into the full-time program
• You only take general interest courses
• You no longer meet all requirements for off-campus work

You must apply for a work permit to work while studying.

Let’s cover some of them in more detail.

If Your Study Situation Changes

If your study situation has now changed, you may be able to change the terms of your study permit

You can apply to change the conditions of your permit if:

1. You are attending a program that may allow you to work off-campus
2. Your study permit says, "This permit does not allow the holder to engage in off-campus employment in Canada"
3. There is a condition included in your study permit that may no longer apply

Changing the Conditions on Your Study Permit

You will need to apply for a new study permit from Canada.

When you apply online, your personalized checklist will contain an application to change your conditions, extend your stay or stay in Canada as a student [IMM 5709]. You need to tick the checkbox to apply for a study permit for the first time or to renew your study permit.

Include a letter with your application explaining why you need the condition removed from your study permit.

The documents required for this process are:

• Letter of explanation
• A valid passport
• Biometrics
• Supporting documents, such as proof of financial support or a medical exam

How to Find a Job as a Student in Canada

While Canada is an enviable study destination, international students should also know that many well-paying jobs are available, whether they want to work after graduation or during their studies.

If you can work a couple of hours per week, consider the highest-paying part-time jobs in Canada for international students.

To cover your living and student expenses, certain job hunting will be part of your Canadian experience.

Research Work Permit Requirements

You are already familiar with the different rules regarding specific programs, levels, and other types of employment, including on-campus work, off-campus work, co-op or internship programs, and graduate work.

You won’t usually need a work permit to work on campus without a valid study permit. However, to work off-campus, you must apply for an off-campus work permit, which allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. You should apply for a co-op work permit for co-op or internship programs if the work is integral to their study program.

For more details, check the Canadian immigration website and learn about work permits and the regulations.

Go Through On-Campus Opportunities

On-campus jobs are an ideal opportunity to gain valuable work experience, earn an income and develop a sense of community at your university or college.

Tips for finding on-campus jobs:

• Check regularly for job postings that you might be able to do
• Connect with professors, counsellors, and other students to learn about potential job opportunities
• Visit departmental and student services offices to inquire about job vacancies
• Attend job fairs and campus events to network with potential employers

Make Use of Online Job Boards

Popular online job boards for students:

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Glassdoor
• SimplyHired
• ZipRecruiter
• Eluta
• CareerBuilder

If you want to create a compelling online profile, use a professional profile picture and write relevant work experience, skills, and education on your profile. Include a cover letter with each job application, highlighting how your skills and experience match the job requirements.

Network with Professors and Peers

By networking, you build relationships with professionals from whom you can get expert advice, recommendations, or job opportunities.

Networking strategies and platforms that may be useful to you may include:

• Attend career fairs and networking events hosted by your university
• Join professional associations or student organisations
• Connect with alumni through your university's alumni network or LinkedIn.
• Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to expand your professional network

Consider Co-op or Internship Programs

Co-op or internship programs are also great opportunities to gain knowledge and skills before formal employment.

How to apply for these programs:

1. Check with your university or college for available co-op or internship programs in your field of study
2. Review application requirements and deadlines
3. Prepare a professional resume and cover letter tailored to each program

Modify Your Resume and Cover Letter

Tips for adapting resumes and cover letters to the Canadian job market:

• Use a precise and professional format for your CV
• Highlight relevant skills and experience that match the job description
• Avoid using jargon or terms that may not be familiar to Canadian employers

It is important to highlight relevant experience as it shows Canadian employers that you have the qualifications and abilities they seek in a candidate.

Key Takeaways

• To be eligible for work in Canada, you must have a valid study permit, be enrolled at DLI, have a social insurance number, have a work permit and be compliant with work-hour restrictions
• Twenty working hours per week is the standard for international students, but the working hours may differ during scheduled breaks, such as holidays
• You can work on-campus and off-campus as an international student in Canada
• Both employment opportunities are excellent to gain valuable work experience, earn an income and develop a sense of community at your university or college
• Some popular job boards for finding a job include Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, SimplyHired, etc. 

Awareness and compliance with Canadian labour regulations are crucial to maintaining your immigration status while studying or working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can International Students Work More Than 40 Hours in Canada?

Yes, if their work permit dictates that they can work that much. Rules may vary from situation to situation, such as some campus jobs are only open to full-time students. They can work much like that as long as they are enrolled full-time in their program of study and have a valid study permit.

Do Working Students Pay Taxes in Canada?

All income made in Canada is taxable. You should file a tax return if you work on or off campus.

Do You Get Paid for Training in Canada?

It depends on what kind of training you are getting. If you are doing an internship, your employer may pay you a payment or stipend. If the training is voluntary, this is not the case. If you are part of the institution's work program related to your field of study and work part-time, a certain income is possible.