
International students in Canada are allowed to work, but there are specific regulations that must be followed. Working in Canada can help international students gain practical work experience, build their professional networks, and even help them stay and work in Canada after graduation. There are different requirements for working on-campus and off-campus, and students must ensure they meet all the necessary conditions. For instance, students can work on-campus only after the start of their studies and only if their study permit includes a condition that permits on-campus or off-campus work. Students can work off-campus without a work permit if they are full-time students at a designated learning institution and meet other requirements. Additionally, there are options for graduate jobs and post-graduation work permits, but these also have specific conditions that must be fulfilled.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit | International students can work on campus without a work permit as long as their study permit includes a condition that they can work on or off-campus. |
| Students can work off-campus without a work permit if they are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and are in the last semester of their study program. | |
| Students can work full-time without a work permit if they were already able to work off-campus during their studies. | |
| Students can apply for a co-op work permit if they have a valid study permit, working is integrated into their study program, and they have a letter from their DLI confirming that all students in their program need to complete work placements to get their degree. | |
| Students can also apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if they graduate from a DLI, but this does not guarantee they will receive it. | |
| Work hours | Students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions and can result in losing student status and having to leave the country. |
| Wages | Wages or salaries depend on the employer and the skills required for the position. The minimum wage varies by province and territory and ranges from $14-$19 per hour. |
| Benefits | Working in Canada can help students develop business contacts, gain practical experience, and build their professional network. It may even help with the immigration process after graduation. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Working on-campus
International students in Canada are eligible to work for up to 20 hours per week on-campus. However, a recent law has temporarily increased this limit to address the country's labour shortage. As of April 2024, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus. During academic breaks, such as summer holidays, students can work unlimited hours.
On-campus jobs for international students in Canada do not typically require a work permit, as long as certain conditions are met. Firstly, you must be enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). Secondly, your study permit must include a condition that allows you to work on or off-campus. If your study permit does not mention this, you can request to have this condition added free of charge.
There are various ways to find on-campus job opportunities. Job postings can often be found in university halls or designated areas on campus. Online resources, such as Job Bank and Job Bank for Youth, also provide thousands of job listings for students. Additionally, the Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program offer attractive jobs for international students, although Canadian students are given priority for these positions.
Co-op placements or programs are another option for international students seeking on-campus employment. These programs integrate working into your study program, allowing you to gain hands-on professional experience in your field of study. To be eligible for a co-op work permit, you must have a valid study permit, a letter from your designated learning institution confirming that work placements are required for your degree, and ensure that the co-op or internship component makes up 50% or less of your total program of study.
International Students: Claiming Tax Rebates on Tuition Fees
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.99

Working off-campus
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus, but there are several conditions that must be met. Firstly, students can work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, but working more than 24 hours is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and having to leave the country. Students must be enrolled in a full-time study programme at a designated learning institution (DLI) and must have started their studies; working before the start of a programme is not permitted. Students in their last semester without a full course load may also be eligible.
If students wish to work more than 24 hours per week, they must apply for a work permit. This can be done by submitting an Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709) form, with a letter explaining why the condition needs to be removed from the study permit. Students can also apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) within 180 days of graduating, which can be valid for 9 months to 3 years.
Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada, as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. Working in Canada as an international student can provide valuable work experience and help build professional networks, which may assist with finding work after graduation. There are several online resources for finding job listings, such as Job Bank and Job Bank for Youth.
International Students: Filing Taxes as a Resident Alien?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Work permits
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, this is dependent on meeting other requirements for working while studying. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in your last semester, where a full course load is not required to complete your program. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your student permit conditions and can result in losing your student status and future permit approvals.
If you are unable to work without a permit, you can apply for one online. This can be done by submitting an Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student (IMM 5709). You must include a letter explaining why you need the condition removed from your study permit. After completing your study program, you may be able to work full-time if you applied for a work permit before your study permit expired or if you were already able to work off-campus during your studies.
Additionally, if you are part of a co-op program, you can apply for a co-op work permit if you have a valid study permit, a letter from your DLI confirming that work placements are required for your degree, and if your co-op or internship is 50% or less of your total program of study.
Spouses or common-law partners of students may also be able to work in Canada during their stay by obtaining a work permit.
International Students: Apple Card Eligibility
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Practical experience
On-Campus Employment: International students in Canada can typically work on campus without a work permit, provided their study permit includes permission to work on campus. On-campus jobs can be a convenient option as they are often related to the student's field of study, allowing for practical experience and skill development.
Off-Campus Employment: Working off-campus is also an option for international students in Canada, but the requirements are more stringent. Students must ensure they meet the conditions outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and their study permit. Working off-campus without a permit is allowed for up to 24 hours per week, provided the student is enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and is in the last semester of their study program.
Co-op and Internship Programs: International students enrolled in co-op programs at colleges or universities can apply for a co-op work permit. This requires a valid study permit, confirmation from the designated learning institution that work placements are mandatory for the degree, and the placement must comprise 50% or less of the total study program. Internships provide supervised on-the-job training, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop skills for their future careers.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada after graduation. To be eligible, students must apply within 180 days of graduating and have graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI). The PGWP's validity ranges from 9 months to 3 years, depending on the duration of the student's academic program.
Online Job Listings: Exploring online job listings is essential for finding employment opportunities. Websites like Job Bank and Job Bank for Youth offer a wide range of job postings from Canadian employers, including summer jobs and career paths with the Government of Canada.
By navigating the specific regulations for on-campus, off-campus, and post-graduation work, international students in Canada can gain practical experience, build networks, and enhance their employability prospects during and after their studies.
Working Two Jobs: International Student's Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Post-graduation jobs
International students in Canada can work on campus or off campus, provided they meet certain conditions. Working in Canada while studying can help students develop business contacts, gain practical experience, and build their professional networks. It may even help them stay and work in Canada after graduation.
On-campus jobs
International students can work on campus, but only after the start of their studies and if their study permit includes a condition that says they can work on or off campus. On-campus jobs for international students in Canada do not require a work permit, as long as they meet these conditions. Announcements for on-campus jobs may be available in university halls or specially designated areas, and online.
Off-campus jobs
As of November 8, 2024, students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet other requirements for working while studying. Students must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) and in the last semester of their study program, and they must not need a full course load to complete their program. If students are eligible for off-campus work, they and their employers must ensure they can work without a permit before starting. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, and students may have to leave the country. Students can also work remotely for an employer outside Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit.
International students can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to stay and work in Canada after their studies. To be eligible, students must graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) and apply for the PGWP within 180 days of graduating or receiving their final grades. The PGWP can be valid for anywhere between 9 months to 3 years, depending on the duration of the student's academic program.
The Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program are two government initiatives that offer attractive jobs for international students in Canada. The former allows students to explore hundreds of career paths and jobs offered by the Government of Canada, while the latter lets them work part-time as research assistants conducting work related to their study program.
Visa Citi Bank: Access for Internal Students
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are eligible to work in Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. Students can work on campus or off campus.
To work on campus, students must have started their studies and their study permit must include a condition that states they can work on or off campus. To work off campus, students must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI) and meet other requirements for working while studying. Students can work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit.
International students can find job listings online or in university halls for on-campus jobs. The Federal Student Work Experience Program and the Research Affiliate Program are two government initiatives that offer jobs to international students.


























![Detailed Statements of Expenditure on Public Works of Canada Since Their Commencement to 30th of June, 1882 [microform]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51aXNmCEX6L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![Water Works and Sewerage Systems of Canada [microform]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61FmdXkHkGL._AC_UL320_.jpg)














