Lana Oconnell
International students in Canada are subject to various regulations and restrictions when it comes to working and earning an income. While some students opt for cash jobs to bypass these restrictions, there are official avenues available for those seeking employment. As of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada are permitted to work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and being in the final semester of their study program. Additionally, international students are subject to income tax on their earnings, which includes federal income tax and provincial or territorial income tax, depending on their residency status. To legally work in Canada, international students typically need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to ensure their employment is registered with the government and tax authorities.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit | Not required if the study permit allows working on or off campus; otherwise, a work permit is required |
| Work hours | Up to 24 hours per week off campus; unlimited hours on campus, during holidays, and for remote work for employers outside Canada |
| Work conditions | Must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution; cannot work before starting studies |
| Income tax | Subject to federal income tax (15% on taxable income up to CAD 57,375 and 20.5% up to CAD 114,750) and provincial/territorial income tax (varies by region) |
| Social Insurance Number (SIN) | Required for employment registration with the government and tax authorities |
| Tax filing | Considered non-residents for tax purposes; unable to use NETFILE or EFILE options and must mail tax returns |
| Work eligibility | Eligible to work for the school or college without a work permit |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements
International students in Canada are required to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to ensure their employment is registered with the government and tax authorities. This can only be done once the student has arrived in Canada on their study permit.
Students can work off-campus without a work permit if they meet the following requirements: they are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), they are in their last semester, and they do not need a full course load to complete their program. However, they can only work up to 24 hours per week, and working more than that is a violation of their study permit conditions. Students can lose their student status and may not be approved for future permits if they exceed this limit.
If a student's study permit outlines that they can work off-campus, they can work without a work permit. If their study permit does not mention this, they can request an amendment. Students can also work for their school without a work permit.
To work full-time, students must meet the following requirements: they were already able to work off-campus during their studies, they are a full-time student before and after the break, and their program has scheduled breaks. During scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, students can work full-time.
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Work hours and conditions
International students in Canada have the option to work on or off campus. If you are a full-time student, you can work off campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as you meet other requirements. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions, and you may lose your student status.
During scheduled breaks and holidays, you can work full-time. There is no set number of hours per week that constitutes full-time work, but your employer must follow provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts. You are allowed to work overtime and for more than one employer during scheduled holidays.
If you are a full-time student on an English or French language course, a course that does not lead to a qualification, or a course that is under six months in length, you may only work on campus. If you are a part-time student, you cannot work while in Canada, unless you are in the last semester of a full-time programme.
If you are eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, you can do so in any role, except for employers on the government's list of non-compliant employers. You will, however, need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to allow your employment to be registered with the government and tax authorities. International students are usually considered non-residents for tax purposes and are subject to income tax on their earnings, including federal income tax and provincial and territorial income tax.
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Income tax
As an international student in Canada, your residency status determines your income tax obligations. If you have established significant residential ties with Canada, you are considered a resident for tax purposes. Residential ties can include having a home in Canada, a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependent who is moving to Canada to live with you. If you are a resident for tax purposes, you may be eligible for benefit and credit payments that can help with your cost of living.
If you are considered a non-resident for tax purposes, you are not eligible for benefits or credits. However, you may still need to file a tax return to pay taxes or receive a refund if you paid too much tax on income from Canadian sources. Even if you don't work in Canada, filing a tax return is the only way to obtain certain benefits, such as GST credits or the Child Tax Benefit.
As a non-resident, you cannot use NETFILE or EFILE options to file your tax return. Instead, you must mail your return to the tax office. To file a tax return, you will need to obtain an Individual Tax Number (ITN) by completing a T1261 Application.
As an international student in Canada, you are not exempt from paying income tax. All money you receive from employment, including tips, is considered taxable income. This includes income from summer jobs or part-time jobs, even if you are a full-time student. However, scholarships, bursaries, and grants are generally exempt from taxation.
You can file your taxes yourself using paper forms or online software. Paper forms can be downloaded or found at postal offices. The Canada Revenue Agency has a list of recommended tax software. Alternatively, you can consult a tax professional for assistance.
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Social Insurance Number
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, as long as they meet other requirements. However, to work and get paid in Canada, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required.
A SIN is a nine-digit number that is fundamental to working and accessing government services in Canada. It is required for taxation purposes, and employers must ask for the SIN of all new employees as soon as they are hired. International students can get a SIN starting with the number '9', indicating their status as temporary residents in Canada.
How to Apply for a SIN
You can apply for a SIN online, in person at a Service Canada Centre, or by mail. It is recommended to apply online to avoid waiting in line, and the application will be processed within 5 business days. You can only apply for a SIN after arriving in Canada and receiving your valid Study Permit.
Required Documents
When applying for a SIN, you must provide certain primary identity documents, such as a birth certificate or certificate of Canadian citizenship. If there are minor differences between the information provided in the application and the primary identity document, the information will be entered in the Social Insurance Register as it appears on the document.
Additional Information
Having a valid SIN does not automatically make you eligible to work in Canada. You must still meet the eligibility requirements, such as having a valid study permit and being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
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Work permit alternatives
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI), being in the last semester of their study program, and not needing a full course load to complete their program. Students must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements to work without a permit, as working more than 24 hours a week is a violation of their study permit conditions, which may result in losing their student status and having to leave the country.
International students can also obtain work permits for work integrated into research, educational, or training programs. These permits are issued under specific programs funded by Canadian government agencies, such as the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Additionally, students may work as part of a co-op or internship program if it is an essential part of their academic or vocational training at a DLI. In such cases, they would need both a co-op work permit and a study permit.
Another option for international students seeking work in Canada is the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. This program allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian post-secondary institutions to gain valuable Canadian work experience.
It is important to note that as of November 8, 2024, students can no longer change schools on the same study permit. If a change of school is desired, a new study permit must be obtained by applying to extend the current permit.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work in Canada, but they need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and meet other requirements.
International students must be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and must have a valid study permit that allows them to work off-campus. They can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus during term time and unlimited hours during holidays.
International students do not need a work permit to work off-campus if their study permit includes a line that lets them work in Canada. However, they must meet all the eligibility requirements to work without a permit. If their permit does not allow them to work, they can request an amendment.
International students cannot work for employers on the government's list of non-compliant employers. They may also be required to take a medical exam.
International students are subject to federal income tax and may also have to pay provincial or territorial income tax depending on their residency status. They are usually considered non-residents for tax purposes and must mail their tax returns to the tax office.
