Savanna Hoffman
International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time off-campus, up to 24 hours per week, without a work permit. Students can also work unlimited hours on campus and remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and comply with the conditions of their study permit. Working part-time can help students gain practical experience and build professional networks, which may help them stay and work in Canada after graduation. However, part-time enrolment can impact a student's ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and their financial aid eligibility, so it is important to consult with an International Student Advisor before making any decisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit requirement | International students in Canada 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. |
| Work permit application | To apply for a work permit, international students must meet specific conditions, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in their last semester. |
| On-campus work | International students can work on-campus in addition to off-campus employment, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. There is no limit to the number of hours they can work on-campus. |
| Off-campus work | International students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week, including self-employment roles. |
| Remote work | Students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada as long as they comply with their study permit conditions. |
| Minimum wage | The minimum wage varies across Canada, ranging from $14 to $19 per hour. |
| Co-op work permit | Students in a co-op program can apply for a co-op work permit if they have a valid study permit, their work is integrated into their study program, and their co-op or internship comprises 50% or less of their total program of study. |
| Spousal work permit | Spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for a work permit. |
| Post-graduation work permit | Studying part-time may impact eligibility for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP), as IRCC requires full-time study in all academic terms to qualify. |
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What You'll Learn
Work permit requirements for international students in Canada
International students in Canada 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. These requirements include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of your study program. If you are not eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, you may be able to change the conditions of your study permit. To do this, you must apply for a change of conditions and pay a fee. You will need to include a letter with your application explaining why you need the condition removed.
If you are requesting a work permit for a designated occupation, such as health services or with children, you must complete and pass a medical exam before submitting your application. If you are a part of a co-op program at a college or university, you can apply for a co-op work permit if you have a valid study permit, working is integrated into your study program, and your co-op or internship is 50% or less of your total program. International students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) courses are not eligible for a work permit under the Co-op Work Permit Program.
Work permits issued under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program allow international students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable Canadian work experience. Additionally, international students, scholars, and scientists may obtain work permits for work related to a research, educational, or training program funded by specific organizations. Spouses or common-law partners of international students may also be eligible for open work permits.
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On-campus vs. off-campus work rules
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. These requirements include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution and being in the last semester of your study program, where a full course load is not required for completion. Students must also ensure that they are eligible for off-campus work before starting, as working without meeting the requirements may result in losing student status and having to leave the country.
On the other hand, working on-campus offers more flexibility in terms of hours worked. Students with full-time registration status and a valid study permit may be eligible to work on campus using their study permit. There are no restrictions on the number of hours that an international student can work on campus, as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria. This includes maintaining full-time student status and being enrolled in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate that is at least six months long.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria for both on-campus and off-campus work must be carefully followed. Students must stop working if they no longer meet the criteria and may need to apply for a work permit if their study situation changes. Additionally, students should be aware of the definition of "on-campus" and "off-campus" work locations to ensure they are complying with the relevant rules.
Furthermore, students participating in co-op programs or internships may require a co-op work permit or a valid work permit, respectively. This ensures that working is integrated into their study program and comprises 50% or less of the total program of study.
In summary, while international students in Canada have the opportunity to work part-time, it is crucial to carefully understand and adhere to the eligibility criteria and permit requirements for both on-campus and off-campus employment.
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Working hours limitations
International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. This rule came into effect on November 15, 2024, increasing the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
Students must be enrolled in a full-time study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in their last semester, needing a reduced course load to finish. Additionally, they must have been full-time students in previous semesters. Students who only meet some of these requirements may still be eligible to work off-campus but will need to obtain a work permit.
There is no limit to the number of hours students can work on-campus or remotely for an employer based outside Canada, as long as they comply with the conditions of their study permit. On-campus work refers to any work performed within the buildings on the university or college campus.
It is important to note that part-time enrolment can impact a student's legal ability to work in Canada and their eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Undergraduate students at Simon Fraser University (SFU), for example, can study part-time in the Summer term without affecting their study permit or post-graduation work permit eligibility. However, studying part-time during the Fall or Spring terms may impact their ability to obtain a PGWP, as IRCC policy requires full-time enrolment in all academic terms to qualify.
International students in Canada typically need to obtain a valid study permit and, in some cases, a work permit to be eligible for part-time work. Students in co-op programs can apply for a co-op work permit if working is integrated into their study program and comprises 50% or less of the total program. Spouses or common-law partners of international students may also be eligible for open work permits.
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Impact of part-time enrolment on work eligibility
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of your study program, where you don't need a full course load to complete your program.
Part-time enrolment will impact your ability to work on or off-campus. If you are a part-time student in the summer term, this will not impact your on- or off-campus work eligibility, as long as you enroll full-time for both the spring and fall terms in the same calendar year. However, if you choose to study part-time in the fall or spring term, you will not be eligible to work on or off-campus until you resume full-time enrolment.
If you are a graduate student and wish to study part-time, you will not be eligible to work on or off-campus until you resume full-time enrolment.
Part-time enrolment may also impact your ability to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). To be eligible for a PGWP, you must have studied full-time in all academic terms (fall and spring for undergraduate students) throughout your program.
If your study permit does not allow you to work off-campus, you may be able to change the conditions of your study permit. You must apply for this change and pay a fee. You will need to include a letter with your application explaining why you need the condition removed.
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Work eligibility for international students' spouses
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet other requirements for working while studying. International students can also bring their spouses or partners to Canada, and in some cases, these spouses and partners are allowed to work in Canada.
Spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible for an open work permit, which allows them to work for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer specific services like erotic dances and escort services. This open work permit may exclude certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, unless a medical examination is provided. Spouses or partners can apply for this open work permit, which is usually valid for the same duration as the student's study permit.
To be eligible for an open work permit, the international student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer. Additionally, the spouse or partner must provide documents to prove the student's enrolment in a program of study, such as a valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution. They must also provide proof of their relationship to the student.
If the spouse or partner already has an open work permit and wants to extend it, they must meet the eligibility criteria. They can also apply for a different type of work permit if they are not eligible for an open work permit. It is important to note that the spouse or partner's open work permit cannot be extended beyond the expiration date of the student's study permit.
In addition to the work permit, spouses or partners may need a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, depending on their country of citizenship. Including a spouse or partner in the application process can impact the approval of the student's study permit and the overall eligibility for permanent residency.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students can work part-time in Canada, both on and off-campus, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
International students must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be in their last semester to work off-campus without a work permit. Students must also meet other requirements for working while studying, and they and their employers must ensure they can work without a permit before starting work. Students can also work on-campus without a work permit if eligible.
International students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular school terms or semesters. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit to the number of hours they can work.
Yes, certain occupations and/or employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, and these will be stated on the student's permit. Additionally, international students cannot work off-campus if they are on authorised leave from their studies or switching schools and not actively studying.
