Working Off-Campus: International Students' Rights In Canada

International students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during regular school terms or semesters. However, as of November 8, 2024, international students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. This change strikes a balance, giving students the option to work without compromising their academic outcomes. Students can work full-time off-campus during scheduled breaks and are also allowed to work remotely for an employer outside of Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.

Work permit requirements for international students in Canada

International students in Canada must meet specific work permit requirements to seek employment during their studies. These requirements are in place to ensure that students can balance their academic commitments with their work obligations. As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, they must still meet other essential requirements for working while studying.

To be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, international students in Canada need to fulfil several conditions. Firstly, they must be enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). Additionally, they should be in their last semester of their study program, and their academic progress should not require a full course load to complete their program. It is important to note that students on authorised leave from their studies or transitioning between schools are not permitted to work off-campus. They can only resume working once they return to their studies.

For those seeking a work permit, there are various options available. International students can obtain a work permit under specific programs, such as the Co-op Work Permit Program or research, educational, or training programs funded by organisations like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). To be eligible for a work permit under a co-op or internship program, students must have a valid study permit, and their intended employment must be an integral part of their academic or training program. Additionally, their employment must be certified as part of the academic curriculum by an authorised academic official from their institution.

Another option for international students is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), which allows graduates from eligible designated learning institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP is an open work permit, and its duration can range from 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the student's program of study. To be eligible for the PGWP, students must have held full-time status at a recognised institution and fulfilled all their program's requirements.

It is important to note that students seeking work in designated occupations, such as health services or roles involving children, must complete and pass a medical exam before submitting their work permit application. Additionally, students requiring an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada should ensure that their eTA remains valid if they plan to re-enter the country.

Working remotely for an employer outside Canada

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements. Working remotely for an employer outside Canada as an international student in Canada is possible, but there are several factors to consider, including legal, tax, and administrative implications. Here are some key points to note:

Legal Requirements:

Firstly, ensure that you meet the conditions outlined in your study permit. Working remotely for an employer outside Canada is permissible as long as you comply with the terms of your study permit. This type of work does not count towards the 24-hour cap for off-campus work.

Tax Implications:

Tax considerations are crucial when working remotely across borders. Canada's tax laws can be complex, and you may need to navigate both Canadian and your employer's country's tax regulations. It is essential to understand the tax agreement between Canada and your employer's country to avoid issues like double taxation. Additionally, if you are working as a visitor in Canada without a work permit, you may not be eligible for public healthcare coverage in most provinces.

Employer Policies and Administrative Tasks:

Understand your employer's policies regarding remote work. Some companies may have restrictions on taking company equipment or accessing company networks from outside the country. Additionally, consider the administrative aspects of remote work, such as payroll, tax withholding, and compliance with Canadian labour laws. One option to simplify these complexities is to work with a Canadian Employer of Record (EOR), who can act as a co-employer and handle these administrative tasks.

Unique Skills and Contractor Status:

Working remotely often requires a unique set of skills that enable independent work. In some cases, you may need to become a contractor instead of an employee, which can introduce additional restrictions, such as preferred time zones and payment in Canadian dollars (CAD).

In summary, working remotely for an employer outside Canada as an international student in Canada is possible, but it requires careful consideration of legal, tax, and administrative factors. Open communication with your employer and seeking professional guidance on tax and legal matters are essential steps to ensure a smooth remote work experience.

Working during breaks and summer holidays

International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus during scheduled breaks and summer holidays. While there is a cap on the number of hours international students can work off-campus during regular academic sessions, they can work full-time off-campus during scheduled breaks and summer holidays. This means that international students can work for an unlimited number of hours during these periods.

It is important to note that the rules regarding off-campus work for international students in Canada have changed over time. As of November 8, 2024, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions. Prior to this, from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students were allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during school sessions.

To be eligible to work off-campus during scheduled breaks and summer holidays, international students must meet certain requirements. They must be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and ensure that they meet the other requirements for working while studying. Additionally, international students must have off-campus work authorization on their study permit. Most Canadian study permits provide this authorization, but it is important to check the conditions of your permit.

It is also important to note that the days between two academic semesters are considered scheduled breaks at some universities, such as Ontario Tech University. Therefore, international students can work full-time during these periods as well. However, graduate students at Ontario Tech University do not have a spring/summer break, as spring/summer is considered one semester.

Overall, international students in Canada have the flexibility to work off-campus during scheduled breaks and summer holidays without the restrictions on hours that are present during regular academic sessions.

Working over 20 hours a week

International students in Canada are typically allowed to work off-campus, provided they meet certain requirements. Working over 20 hours a week as an international student in Canada is permissible under specific conditions.

Firstly, it is important to note that the number of hours international students can work off-campus in Canada has varied over time. From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permit were allowed to work more than 20 hours a week during school sessions. This was a temporary measure.

As of April 30, 2024, international students in Canada could no longer work more than 20 hours per week off-campus while studying. This change ended the temporary COVID-era policy, which allowed unlimited off-campus work hours for international students.

However, starting in September 2024, the Canadian government announced an increase in the limit on off-campus work hours to 24 hours per week. This means that as of September 2024, international students in Canada are permitted to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. It is worth noting that this policy may be subject to future changes, and it is always advisable to refer to the latest official guidelines.

To work off-campus in Canada as an international student, you must ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and having a valid study permit. Your study permit should specify whether you are authorized to work off-campus and outline any conditions or restrictions. In some cases, you may need to apply to change the conditions of your study permit and include a letter explaining why you need the "not being allowed to work off-campus" condition removed.

Additionally, it is important to note that working remotely for an employer outside of Canada is possible, provided you comply with the conditions of your study permit. This type of work does not count towards your 24-hour weekly off-campus work limit.

International students in Canada should refer to the latest information provided by official sources, such as the Government of Canada or their specific educational institution, to ensure they have the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding their work eligibility and any applicable conditions or restrictions.

Post-graduation work permits

International students in Canada can work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week without a work permit. However, they must meet other requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in their last semester of their study programme.

International students in Canada can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to stay and work in the country after graduation. The PGWP allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and can be valid for up to three years.

To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have completed an eligible study programme at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. The length of the PGWP will depend on the length of the study programme, and students must have proof of degree completion to apply. For example, if a student completes a nine-month programme, they may receive a work permit for up to nine months.

As of November 1, 2024, new language proficiency requirements in English or French were introduced for PGWP applications. Applicants must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) or Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) of level 7 in all four language areas. Additionally, certain fields of study must be linked to Canada's labour market needs.

Students can apply for a PGWP from within Canada or outside the country. If applying from within Canada, the application must be submitted no more than 90 days after the earliest date of degree completion confirmation and before the expiry date on their study permit. Students can also include proof of employment to extend their spouse's or common-law partner's open work permit for the validity of their PGWP.

To extend a PGWP, applicants must apply on paper and have a valid passport for the entire period they are eligible for the work permit.

Frequently asked questions