Janice Lozano
International students in the US and Canada often seek part-time employment to support their living expenses and reduce their student loan burden. While international students with F-1 visas in the US face restrictions on off-campus work during their first year, those in Canada enjoy greater flexibility. Canadian study permits allow students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without requiring a separate work permit, and full-time during academic breaks. Additionally, Canada offers the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), enabling international students to gain valuable work experience and even pursue permanent residency.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work Permit | A work permit is not required for on-campus or off-campus jobs if the student has a valid study permit. |
| Study Permit | A study permit is required, and it must state permission to work in Canada. |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | A SIN is required to work in Canada and can be applied for after receiving a study permit. |
| Work Hours | Students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week violates the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status. |
| Full-Time Student | To qualify to work in Canada, the student must be enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). |
| Academic Breaks | During academic breaks, such as summer, students can work unlimited hours. |
| Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | The length of a PGWP depends on the study program's length, ranging from matching the program length to three years for programs over two years. |
| Permanent Residence | The PGWP can provide a path to permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry immigration system. |
| Citizenship | To apply for Canadian citizenship, an individual must have permanent resident status and have been physically present in Canada for at least 1095 days in the five years before the application. |
What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements for international students in Canada
Canada is a popular destination for international students, with over 800,000 international students in the country. The country offers a high-quality education at a relatively affordable cost, in a safe, stable, and multicultural society. International students in Canada can work during their studies and obtain a work permit after graduation, as long as they meet the Canadian government's criteria.
- Enrolment in a full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Possession of a valid study permit.
- For certain occupations, such as health services or work with children, a completed and passed medical exam is required before submitting the work permit application.
- For work in agricultural occupations, a medical examination is necessary if the applicant has lived in or visited a designated country for over six months in the past year.
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada. This can be applied for after receiving a study permit.
- Students must be in their last semester of their study program and do not need a full-time course load to complete it. They must have been studying full-time up until this final part-time semester.
- For internships or co-op placements, a separate co-op work permit may be required.
- Students enrolled in English as a Second Language, French as a Second Language, or general interest courses and programs are not eligible for a work permit under the Co-op Work Permit Program.
- Under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP), international students who have graduated from eligible designated learning institutions in Canada can obtain an open work permit. The duration of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program, ranging from 8 months to 3 years.
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Work hour restrictions for international students in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students can work multiple jobs to make up these hours, as long as they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students can lose their student status for doing so. Students with scheduled academic breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, can work unlimited hours.
To be eligible to work off-campus in Canada, international students must meet specific requirements. They must be enrolled as full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in the last semester of their study program, not needing a full course load to complete it. Additionally, they must have been studying full-time until this final part-time semester. International students need a valid study permit, which states their permission to work in Canada. If the study permit lacks this information, it may be amended at no cost. Students can also request an amendment to their study permit before applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which is required to work in Canada.
The Government of Canada has recently introduced reforms to the International Student Program to protect students from fraud and financial vulnerability. As of April 30, 2024, the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus ended, and the limit was set at 24 hours per week. This change aims to balance students' academic pursuits and their need to work. Additionally, international students who begin specific college programs after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation.
It is important to note that the work hour restrictions for international students in Canada apply specifically to off-campus employment. On-campus work opportunities may have different requirements and restrictions, which students should research and understand before starting their studies in Canada.
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Obtaining permanent residency in Canada after studying
International students can work in Canada provided they have a valid study permit. Students must be enrolled in a full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to work part-time in Canada. Students in their final semester are exempt from this requirement if they do not need a full course load to graduate.
International students can obtain permanent residency in Canada through various immigration programs. One option is the Post Graduation Work Program (PGWP), which allows international students who have graduated from a DLI to stay and work in Canada. The length of the PGWP depends on the length of the study program. For instance, if the program length was between eight months and two years, the PGWP length will match the program length. If the program exceeded two years, graduates may receive a three-year work permit. The PGWP does not directly lead to permanent residency, but it helps graduates gain the required work experience to qualify for permanent residence, usually through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. The CEC requires applicants to have at least 12 months of continuous, full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the previous three years or an equivalent amount in part-time experience. Alternatively, graduates can pursue permanent residency through an employer-driven Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
To work in Canada, international students will need a Social Insurance Number (SIN), which they can apply for after receiving their study permit. Students should ensure they meet the conditions of their study permit to avoid jeopardizing future immigration applications. Many of Canada's immigration programs require skilled work experience, which may put international students at a disadvantage. However, the PGWP and other programs provide pathways for international students to gain the required work experience and eventually obtain permanent residency in Canada.
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On-campus vs. off-campus work for international students in Canada
International students in Canada can work on-campus or off-campus to support their living expenses and reduce the need to borrow loans. However, there are several requirements that must be met to work in Canada as an international student. Firstly, students must have a valid study permit, which states whether they are permitted to work in Canada. If the permit does not include this permission, it may be possible to get it amended for free. Students will also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada, which can be applied for after receiving the study permit.
On-Campus Work
On-campus jobs are a great way to earn while studying and offer approximately CA$22 per hour or CA$42,565 per year. Students can be employed by the university, a department, a faculty member, the student organisation, or a private contractor within the campus premises. There is no fixed number of hours for part-time on-campus work, but individual employers might limit working hours. Students can work an unlimited number of hours on-campus, in addition to working off-campus, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
Off-Campus Work
Off-campus jobs provide a wider range of opportunities and can help students explore new regions in their city. Popular off-campus jobs include tutors, waiters, and attendants. Students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet other requirements. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students may lose their student status and be asked to leave the country. During academic breaks, students with a valid study permit can work unlimited hours off-campus.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
The length of a student's Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) depends on the length of their study program. For programs between eight months and two years, the PGWP length matches the program length. Programs exceeding two years may qualify for a three-year work permit. Students can continue working in Canada while their PGWP is being processed, as long as they applied for the job before their student permit expired. The PGWP can provide a path to permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry immigration system.
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Benefits of working and studying in Canada vs. the US
Canada and the US are two of the top destinations for international students, offering world-class education systems and enriching student experiences. However, there are several reasons why international students are increasingly choosing Canada over the US. Firstly, Canada has a more welcoming attitude towards international students, with the number of international students in the country increasing from 122,700 in 2000 to 642,500 in 2019. This is likely due to the Canadian government's policies aimed at attracting international students, such as faster processing times for study permits and more straightforward visa requirements. In contrast, the US has stricter visa policies, including a proposal by the Department of Homeland Security that would require international students to reapply for their visa each year.
Another advantage of studying in Canada is the cost. Studying in the US is more expensive, and financial aid is harder to come by for international students. Canadian universities are 27% more economical on average, and they are also more likely to offer financial aid or scholarships to international students. Additionally, the cost of living in Canada is lower, and Canada offers universal healthcare, which can further reduce expenses.
Canada also provides more opportunities for international students to transition to permanent residency after graduation. Both the provincial and federal governments offer numerous options for international graduates to obtain permanent residence status, and Canada increasingly views international students as ideal immigrants. In contrast, the US offers limited opportunities for international students to obtain permanent status.
When it comes to working in Canada vs. the US, both countries offer high salaries and great benefits for immigrant workers. However, Canada has a more open immigration policy and a welcoming workplace environment, making it easier for qualified foreign workers to enter the country. Canada also has a shortage of workers in high-demand occupations, making it an attractive destination for those looking for job opportunities. Additionally, Canada offers over 80 immigration programs, and acquiring the requirements for a work application is generally more straightforward.
Both Canada and the US have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and the choice between the two countries depends on individual priorities and career goals. However, Canada may be a more attractive destination for international students and workers due to its welcoming attitude, affordable cost of living, universal healthcare, and easier pathways to residency.
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Frequently asked questions
International students studying in the US on an F-1 visa may not be able to work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment. However, if you want to work in Canada as an international student, you must be enrolled in a full-time program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and have a valid study permit.
A valid study permit is one that states that you are permitted to work in Canada. If your study permit does not include this permission, you may be able to get it amended for free.
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. During academic breaks, students can work an unlimited number of hours.
After completing your study program, there are two ways to work full-time: apply for a work permit before your study permit expires, or obtain a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) which can be valid for up to three years.
