Lori Meadows
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 are full-time students at a designated learning institution and meet other requirements. Working part-time during studies provides international students with income, Canadian work experience, cultural integration, and long-term career benefits. International students can also work remotely for employers outside Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit, and this does not count towards their 24-hour work limit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit | International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. |
| Work permit conditions | Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the permit conditions. Students may lose their status and may have to leave the country. |
| Work permit eligibility | To be eligible to work without a permit, students must be full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI) and in their last semester. |
| Work permit cost | There is a fee to change the conditions on a study permit. |
| Work limit | Working remotely for an employer outside Canada does not count towards the 24-hour work limit. |
| Benefits | Working part-time provides income, Canadian work experience, cultural integration, and long-term career benefits. |
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What You'll Learn
Work permits for international students
International students in Canada with a valid study permit may be authorised to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program through Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). Students are allowed to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week violates the study permit conditions and may result in losing student status.
International students can also work remotely for an employer outside Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. This type of work does not count towards the 24 hours per week off-campus work limit.
There are several work permit options for international students in Canada:
- Off-Campus Work Permits: Foreign students studying full-time with a valid Canadian study permit may be authorised to work off-campus if their school participates in an off-campus work permit program through CIC.
- Co-op Programs & Internship Work Permits: Foreign students in programs requiring work experience through co-ops or internships are eligible for work permits.
- Post-Graduate Work Permits: Foreign students who have graduated from an academic program in Canada lasting a minimum of eight months may qualify for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. The permit's validity is usually the same as the study permit duration. Starting November 1, 2024, PGWP applicants must demonstrate minimum language proficiency in English or French.
- Work Permits for Spouses: Spouses accompanying foreign students on a valid Canadian study permit are entitled to a study or open work permit without needing a job offer. However, recent changes limit spousal work permits, with spouses of master's degree students requiring programs of 16 months or longer to be eligible.
It's important to note that work permit eligibility and regulations may change over time. International students should refer to the latest information provided by official Canadian government sources when planning their studies and employment in Canada.
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$8.99
Part-time work and eligibility
International students in Canada are allowed to work part-time, both on and off-campus, without an official work permit. However, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, you must be enrolled as a full-time international student, which means having a valid study permit. Secondly, you can only commence working once your studies have started; you cannot work before your programme begins. Once you have graduated, you will need to obtain a work permit to continue working in Canada.
International students in Canada are typically allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during term time. Working more than 24 hours per week is considered a violation of your study permit conditions and may result in losing your student status. During scheduled breaks, such as holidays, you can work an unlimited number of hours. However, students enrolled in demanding or intensive courses are advised by universities to work no more than 12 hours per week to maintain their academic performance.
To be eligible to work off-campus without a work permit, you must meet specific requirements. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and ensuring that your study permit does not explicitly prohibit off-campus employment. Additionally, if you are in the final semester of your programme and do not need a full course load to graduate, you can work off-campus without a permit.
International students in Canada can find part-time employment in various sectors, including hospitality (such as cafes, restaurants, and bars), retail, education (such as tutoring or teaching swimming), and translation services. The salary for these part-time jobs can vary, generally ranging from CAD $13 to $25 per hour, but it can be higher for specialised skills or sectors.
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Working off-campus
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without a work permit, provided they meet certain requirements. These 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. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit and can result in losing your student status and possibly being asked to leave the country.
Students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada, provided they meet the conditions of their study permit, and this does not count towards the 24-hour limit. If you are self-employed, you must keep track of your hours and ensure you are complying with the conditions of your study permit.
To work off-campus, international students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and prepare their resume, cover letters, and use job boards, campus resources, and networking for their job search. Working part-time as an international student in Canada provides income, valuable Canadian work experience, cultural integration, and long-term career benefits. It can help students immerse themselves in the local professional environment, enhance cross-cultural communication skills, and build a network of connections.
If your study permit includes the condition that you are not allowed to engage in off-campus employment, you must apply to have this condition removed and pay a fee for the change.
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Resume and job search tips
As an international student in Canada, you must familiarize yourself with the Canadian-style resume before you start looking for internships, part-time work, or even your first job after graduation. Here are some tips to help you with your resume and job search:
Resume Tips
- Choose the right resume format: The reverse chronological resume is the most popular format in the Canadian job market. It outlines your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. If you have limited experience, you can opt for a functional or skills-based resume that focuses on your overall skills and qualifications rather than specific professional experiences.
- Keep it concise: Your resume should not be longer than one page, especially if you're applying for entry-level jobs. A short resume encourages you to highlight only the most important aspects of what makes you a strong candidate.
- Tailor your resume: Customize your resume for each position you apply to. Showcase your relevant achievements and skills, and make a strong case for why the organization should hire you. Include keywords from the job description to ensure ATS compatibility.
- Avoid excessive design elements: Stick to standard fonts and avoid using graphics, bold colours, or pictures. Employers want to focus on the information in your resume, not be distracted by fancy design elements.
- Include essential information: Ensure your resume features your contact information, LinkedIn profile, professional summary, relevant skills, education, and language proficiencies. If you know foreign languages, include them to showcase your ability to communicate with Canada's diverse community.
- Cover letter: Always include a personalized cover letter, even if the job posting doesn't specifically ask for one. This is your opportunity to explain why a specific job is important to you and why you are a good fit.
Job Search Tips
- Work permits: If you're eligible for off-campus work, you don't need a work permit as long as you meet certain requirements, including being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI). However, if you don't meet the requirements for working without a permit, you may need to apply for one.
- Work hours: If you're working off-campus, you're allowed to work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions, and you may have to leave the country.
- Remote work: You can work remotely for an employer outside of Canada as long as you meet the conditions of your study permit. This type of work doesn't count towards your 24 hours per week off-campus work limit.
- Gain experience: Consider volunteering, part-time work, or internships to gain valuable Canadian work experience and improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residence (PR) in Canada through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Network and seek advice: Take advantage of resources like Canada InfoNet and Arrive, a platform developed by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) to aid newcomers. Building a professional network and seeking advice from career professionals can give you a better understanding of the Canadian job market.
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Benefits of working while studying
International students in Canada can undertake work while studying, which offers several benefits. Firstly, it enables students to gain practical work experience and build their professional networks, enhancing their employability and potentially facilitating a smooth transition into the Canadian job market after graduation. Working while studying allows students to develop valuable skills, gain on-the-job training, and build connections with employers, which can be advantageous when seeking future employment opportunities.
Secondly, working while studying provides financial support and the opportunity to earn additional income. International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without requiring a separate work permit, allowing them to support themselves financially during their studies. This flexibility enables students to gain independence and manage their expenses while benefiting from the income generated through part-time employment.
Thirdly, working while studying can help students meet new people and build social connections. Interacting with colleagues and peers in a professional setting can expand their social network and enhance their overall student experience. This social aspect of working can contribute to a more fulfilling and well-rounded student life, allowing students to form meaningful relationships beyond their academic pursuits.
Additionally, working while studying can provide international students with valuable Canadian work experience that may be recognised or preferred by future employers. Graduating with work experience can set students apart from other candidates during their job search, whether they plan to stay in Canada or work elsewhere. Canadian work experience demonstrates adaptability and a diverse skill set, which are highly valued by employers.
Lastly, working while studying allows students to gain familiarity with Canadian labour laws and their labour rights as workers. Understanding their rights, including minimum wage requirements and labour standards, empowers students to ensure they receive fair treatment and compensation for their work. This knowledge can also help students develop essential skills in navigating professional relationships and understanding their entitlements in a Canadian work environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students are allowed to work in Canada.
International students are allowed to work a maximum of 24 hours per week without a work permit. Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of the student visa conditions and may result in losing student status.
If you are working off-campus, you do not need a work permit if you are a full-time student at a designated learning institution and meet other requirements. If you are working on-campus, you may need a work permit.
Yes, international students can work remotely for an employer outside Canada as long as they meet the conditions of their study permit. This type of work does not count towards the 24 hours per week off-campus work limit.
Working in Canada as an international student provides income, Canadian work experience, cultural integration, and long-term career benefits. It helps students immerse themselves in the local professional environment, enhance cross-cultural communication, and build a network of connections.
