Ibrahim Gardner
International students in Canada may be able to work on a study permit, but they must meet certain requirements and have the correct paperwork. The requirements differ depending on whether the work is on-campus or off-campus. For instance, international students can work an unlimited number of hours on-campus, but off-campus work is restricted to 20 hours per week during regular terms and semesters. Students are advised to refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information on working in Canada as an international student.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit required | Yes, unless the study permit includes a condition stating that the student is authorized to work in Canada |
| Work hours | No restrictions on the hours worked per week on-campus; cannot exceed 20 hours of work per week while taking classes off-campus |
| Off-campus work | Allowed if the study permit includes a line that lets the student work off-campus |
| Volunteering | May require a foreign national to have authorization to work without a work permit, or an actual work permit |
| Tax | Income tax is deducted from earnings |
| Full-time student | Required to work on-campus; not required to work off-campus during scheduled breaks |
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Work permits and study permits
International students in Canada may be able to work while studying, provided they meet certain requirements and have the necessary paperwork. The specifics depend on whether the work is on-campus or off-campus and whether the student has a valid study permit or work permit.
Working on a valid study permit
A study permit may allow international students to work in Canada without a work permit. To be eligible, the student must be a full-time student at a school recognised by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Additionally, the student must be enrolled in a post-secondary program or, in Quebec, a secondary-level vocational training program. The program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
If these conditions are met, the student can work on or off-campus if their study permit includes a condition authorising them to work in Canada. It is important to note that students enrolled only in English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) programs cannot work off-campus, even with a valid study permit.
Working on a work permit
For those without a valid study permit that authorises work, a work permit is necessary. To apply for a work permit for a co-op or internship position, students must have a valid study permit, be enrolled in a secondary-level program that requires work for graduation, and have their employment certified as part of the academic program. The co-op or internship employment cannot comprise more than 50% of the total program of study, and certain fields, like medicine, are excluded.
For students working on-campus with a valid study permit, there are no restrictions on the number of hours worked per week. However, for those working off-campus, the limit is usually 20 hours per week during regular terms and semesters. This limit was temporarily removed from November 15, 2022, to April 30, 2024, to support students during labour shortages. During scheduled breaks and holidays, students can work full-time without restrictions on hours.
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Working on-campus
International students in Canada are eligible to work on-campus without a work permit if they are a full-time student with a valid study permit that includes a condition authorising them to work in Canada. An on-campus employer can be the university (e.g. library, bookstore, department, registrar’s office, athletic centre, residence) or a private business located on campus that substantially serves the university community (e.g. coffee shops, restaurants or contractors providing services to the university).
There are no restrictions on the number of hours that an international student can work on campus, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. However, the hours must follow provincial labour standards. Students who have worked in Canada should file an annual income tax and benefit return.
To ensure that you are working legally while studying in Canada, there are some important requirements that you need to meet. International students may not start working in Canada until they have started their full-time program of study. If your permit does not allow you to work, you can request an amendment of your study permit.
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Working off-campus
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus under certain conditions. As of November 8, 2024, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic terms without a work permit. Students must be enrolled full-time and meet other requirements to work while studying. Students must also ensure they are allowed to work off-campus under the conditions on their study permit.
To work in Canada, international students need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the appropriate immigration documents. Students can apply for a SIN by having specific conditions printed on their study permit, such as eligibility to work on or off-campus. Students can request to add these conditions to their permit at no cost.
International students with full-time registration status and a valid study permit may be eligible to work on campus using their study permit. On-campus work includes jobs within the boundaries of the campus where the student is enrolled, including jobs at private businesses that substantially serve the university community. There are no restrictions on the number of hours an international student can work on campus as long as they are full-time students.
Students in co-op or internship programs can work off-campus if working is integrated into their study program and confirmed by their designated learning institution. They must also have a valid study permit and ensure their co-op or internship makes up 50% or less of their total program of study.
It is important for international students to adhere to the number of hours they can work each week and only work when they meet the requirements. Students who work more hours than permitted or fail to comply with the conditions of their study permit may lose their student status and face deportation from Canada.
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Volunteering
However, international students need to be mindful of Canadian immigration laws and regulations regarding volunteer work. "Work" is defined by the IRCC as an activity for which wages are paid, or that competes directly with activities of Canadian citizens in the Canadian labour market. Even if a position is unpaid, it may still be considered "work" and require a work permit.
There are some volunteering opportunities that are generally not considered "work" and do not require work authorization. These include:
- Volunteering to take a friend to a doctor or a disability centre
- Helping a friend or family member without remuneration
- Participating in events organized by local charities or non-profit organizations, such as fundraising events, community clean-ups, or awareness campaigns
- Offering voluntary assistance to religious or spiritual organizations
- Joining volunteer initiatives focused on environmental conservation, such as tree planting or park clean-ups
It is important to note that the line between unpaid internships and volunteering is clear. If the position involves similar duties and responsibilities as paid employees, it is likely considered an unpaid internship and may require a work permit.
Before engaging in any volunteer work, international students are advised to understand the concept of "work" in Canada and ensure they have the proper work authorization to comply with immigration regulations.
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Taxes
The Canadian tax system is based on residency, not citizenship. As an international student in Canada, you may need to file a Canadian income tax return. Your residency status will determine your income tax obligations and filing requirements.
Determining Residency Status
Your residency status is based on the residential ties you have with Canada. If you have established significant residential ties with Canada, you are considered a resident for income tax purposes. Factors that indicate significant residential ties include:
- Staying in Canada for 183 days or more in a calendar year
- Returning to your home country periodically or for a significant amount of time during the year
- Moving to another country when not attending university in Canada
If you do not have significant residential ties with Canada, you may still be considered a resident for tax purposes if you meet certain conditions, such as staying in Canada for more than 183 days in a year and not being considered a resident of your home country under a tax treaty between Canada and that country.
Tax Filing Requirements
If you are a resident for tax purposes, you must file a tax return and report all income earned, including income from outside Canada. You may also be eligible for benefit and credit payments, such as the harmonized sales tax (HST) credit and the Canada Carbon Rebate.
If you are a non-resident or deemed non-resident, you are generally not required to file a Canadian tax return unless you have Canadian source income. Non-residents must declare their net income earned outside of Canada to avail of non-refundable tax credits.
Tax Credits and Deductions
International students in Canada may be eligible for various tax credits and deductions, including:
- Tuition credits: You can claim the tuition fees you paid in Canada as a tax credit or transfer them to qualifying relatives.
- Student loan interest: You can claim the interest paid on student loans received under certain government programs.
- Moving expenses: You may be able to claim moving expenses if you moved closer to your university or for a summer job, provided you meet certain distance requirements.
- Public transit amount: You can keep your transit passes to claim the cost of local transportation.
- Child care expenses: If you have children and pay for childcare while attending school, you may be able to deduct these expenses.
- GST/HST credit: If you have a low or modest income, you may be able to claim the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit.
It is important to consult official government sources and, if necessary, seek assistance from a tax professional to ensure you understand your tax obligations and entitlements as an international student in Canada.
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