
International students' eligibility to work full-time during semester breaks depends on the country and their visa status. In Canada, international students can work full-time during scheduled breaks, provided they were full-time students before and after the break. Students cannot work during an unscheduled break, such as a leave of absence. In Australia, from 1 July 2023, international students can work unlimited hours during their holiday breaks.
International students working full-time during semester breaks
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Work hours | No limit on work hours during scheduled breaks |
| Work permit | Required |
| Full-time student | Required before and after the break |
| First semester | Cannot work before the first semester |
| Work off-campus | Allowed |
| Work on-campus | Allowed |
| Eligibility | Must be enrolled full-time and actively pursuing studies |
| Unscheduled break | Cannot work full-time |
| Work permit | Must have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) |
| Work hours | Up to 24 hours per week off-campus |
| Country | Australia |
| Work hours | Unlimited hours during holiday breaks |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- International students in Canada can work full-time during scheduled breaks
- Students must be enrolled full-time before and after the break
- Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- International students in Australia can work unlimited hours during breaks
- Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus in Canada

International students in Canada can work full-time during scheduled breaks
During academic terms or semesters, international students in Canada are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announced a temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week to ease the country's labour shortage and give students a chance to earn more money. This policy ended on April 30, 2024.
It is important to note that international students in Canada who are not full-time students cannot work, as they would be violating their study permit conditions. Additionally, students who take an authorized leave from their studies or switch schools and are not currently studying cannot work off-campus and can only return to work once they resume their studies.
To work off-campus, international students in Canada must have specific conditions printed on their study permit. They can apply to change the conditions of their permit if they switch to a study program that allows them to work off-campus. Additionally, students must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) from the Government of Canada to work in the country.
International Students: Scholarships at UW?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$8.99

Students must be enrolled full-time before and after the break
International students in Canada are permitted to work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, provided they are enrolled full-time before and after the break. This means that students cannot work full-time before starting their first semester or during an unscheduled break, such as a leave of absence or a break of their own choosing.
To be eligible to work off-campus in Canada, international students must meet specific requirements. These include being enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, students need a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). Students can apply to change the conditions of their study permit if their study program changes and allows them to work off-campus.
During regular academic terms or semesters, international students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week. Starting in the fall of 2024, this limit was increased to 24 hours per week. Working more than 24 hours per week is considered a violation of the study permit conditions and may result in losing student status and future permit approvals.
In Australia, international students can work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks.
Cadets and International Students: Can They Join?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
International students in Canada are permitted to work full-time during scheduled breaks. However, this only applies if you were a full-time student in your program in Canada until your last semester. To work in Canada, you need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This is a 9-digit number issued by the Government of Canada.
SINs are required to work and be paid in Canada, as well as to access government programs and benefits. They are also used for tax purposes. International students receive a SIN starting with the number '9', which indicates to employers that the holder is a temporary resident. The expiry date of an international student's SIN is usually the same as the expiration of their work permit.
SINs are confidential and should not be used for identification purposes or provided for job or rental applications. They can be obtained online or by visiting a Service Canada Centre. To obtain a SIN, you must provide proof of eligibility, such as a valid study or work permit.
While a valid SIN is necessary for working in Canada, it does not automatically grant permission to work on or off-campus. Students must still meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the Government of Canada.
SSNs and FAFSA: What International Students Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products

International students in Australia can work unlimited hours during breaks
International students in Australia can work unlimited hours during semester breaks. This includes mid-semester breaks and holidays. This flexible arrangement allows international students to earn while they learn. However, it is important to note that international students can only start working after their course has commenced.
International students in Australia have the same workplace rights and protections as anyone else working in Australia. This includes minimum pay and conditions, as outlined in the Fair Work Act. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps to protect and enforce these rights and can be contacted for free advice and assistance in multiple languages.
It is important for international students to understand their workplace rights, including pay, working conditions, and health and safety. They should also be aware of the rules of their work visa, including the number of hours they are allowed to work each week. Student visas are subject to specific conditions that allow limited work in Australia, and students must adhere to the work hour restrictions set out in their visa conditions.
In addition to the Fair Work Ombudsman, other resources are available to support international students in finding work and understanding their rights. This includes the Careers and Employability team at universities, which provides support for students to obtain work during their studies and after graduation. The StudyAdelaide Job Shop is another platform that connects international students with part-time, casual, and volunteering positions.
Working in PR: Opportunities for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus in Canada
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. However, this policy has undergone changes over time. Previously, international students were restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic year. This limit was increased to 24 hours per week as a temporary measure, effective from December 7, 2023, until April 30, 2024. After this date, the limit reverted to 20 hours per week.
It is important to note that working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the study permit conditions, which may result in losing student status and future permit approvals. Students must continue to meet the eligibility requirements and conditions outlined in their study permits.
During scheduled academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, international students can work full-time without a set limit on hours. However, this applies only if the student was a full-time student before and after the break. Taking an unscheduled break or leave from studies results in losing work eligibility, and students cannot work, neither part-time nor full-time, during that period.
To work off-campus in Canada, international students must meet specific requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and having a valid study permit or an extension application submitted before its expiry. Students can request amendments to their study permits to include off-campus work eligibility and must comply with all provincial laws related to overtime pay and time between shifts.
Bringing Spouses: International Students' Rights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work full-time during scheduled breaks. However, they must be full-time students both before and after the break.
Scheduled breaks are breaks that are listed in the school's academic calendar, such as summer or winter holidays.
If you are on an authorized leave or switching schools, you cannot work off-campus. You must be actively pursuing your studies to be eligible to work.
There is no limit on the number of hours international students can work during scheduled breaks. They can work unlimited hours or as many hours as they want.
To work off-campus in Canada, international students must have a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number (SIN). They must also be enrolled in a full-time academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months.











































