Savanna Hoffman
International students from the US seeking to work in Canada need to be aware of the visa rules and regulations. In Canada, international students can work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks, provided their study permit authorizes them to do so. On-campus work is often the first opportunity for students to gain Canadian work experience. To work in Canada, international students must ensure they have a valid study permit and are in good academic standing. Additionally, they must obey the law and may need to provide a police clearance certificate. The process of obtaining a Canadian work visa may vary depending on the country or territory of application, and applicants should be prepared to provide the required documentation, such as biometrics and medical exams. Understanding the specific requirements and regulations is crucial for international students from the US seeking to work in Canada.
Characteristics and Values Table for International Students from the US to Get a Canadian Working Visa
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work permit | Required for international students to work in Canada |
| Study permit | Must authorize work and state that the student is allowed to work off-campus |
| Work hours | Full-time international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks |
| Remote work | Considered Canadian work and subject to the same regulations as employment with a Canadian employer |
| On-campus work | First opportunity for students to gain Canadian work experience |
| US F-1 visa | Allows full-time students to work up to 20 hours per week on campus and 40 hours during breaks |
| Off-campus work | Requires separate authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) |
| Post-graduation work permit | Available for international students who graduated from a designated learning institution |
| Medical exam | May be required before entering Canada |
| Biometrics | May be required for certain applicants |
| Criminal record | No record of criminal activity required |
| Ineligible employers | Students cannot work for employers listed as "ineligible" or those offering certain adult entertainment services |
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What You'll Learn
On-campus work
International students in Canada can work on their school campus without a work permit, provided they meet certain conditions. These include being enrolled in a public post-secondary school, such as a college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec. Alternatively, they can be enrolled in a private post-secondary school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools.
To be eligible to work on campus, international students must have full-time registration status and a valid study permit. This permit must state that the student is authorised to work on or off-campus. If the permit does not include this, students can ask to have it added. Students must also ensure they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for working on campus.
There are no restrictions on the number of hours an international student can work on campus, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Students can work an unlimited number of hours on campus if they were full-time students in every semester of their program but are studying part-time in their final semester to finish their required coursework.
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Off-campus work
International students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during the regular academic year without requiring a work permit. However, they must meet other eligibility requirements to work while studying. These include being a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI) and being in the last semester of your study program, not needing a full course load to complete your program. If you are eligible for off-campus work, you can work without a work permit, but you and your employer must ensure you meet the requirements before starting. Working more than 24 hours a week violates your study permit conditions, and you may lose your student status and be asked to leave the country.
To work in Canada, international students need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the relevant immigration documents. Students who have worked in Canada should file an annual income tax and benefit return. Students must also be in good academic standing and ensure their study permit states they are authorised to work off-campus. If your study permit previously stated you could only work 20 hours per week off-campus, you are now allowed to work up to 24 hours per week, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
There is no set number of hours that counts as 'full-time' work during breaks, and students can work unlimited hours during these periods. However, to work full-time during breaks, you must be a full-time student both before and after the break. For example, you cannot work before your first semester.
If you are working remotely for an employer outside Canada, your work is still considered Canadian work and falls under the same regulations as employment with a Canadian employer. Therefore, your study permit must authorise you to work.
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Work permit requirements
International students from the US seeking a Canadian work visa must meet several requirements. Firstly, they need a valid study permit, and their intended employment must be an essential part of their academic, vocational, or professional training program. The student's employment must be certified as part of their academic program by an academic official from their institution.
Additionally, students must ensure that their study permit authorises them to work, as this is not automatic. The permit must explicitly state that the student is allowed to work off-campus, and they must maintain good academic standing. In Canada, full-time international students with the necessary permits may work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks.
It's important to note that working remotely for an employer outside Canada while physically in Canada is still considered Canadian work and falls under the same regulations. Therefore, the student's study permit must authorise them to work remotely as well.
Certain occupations in Canada, such as those in health services or involving work with children, may require applicants to complete and pass a medical exam before submitting their work permit application. Applicants should also be aware that their work permit application does not affect their Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and it is their responsibility to ensure their eTA remains valid if they plan to re-enter Canada.
Furthermore, international students should be aware of any recent restrictions imposed by the Canadian government on work permits for international students. For instance, the government has stopped issuing postgraduate work permits to international students graduating from programs provided under Public College-Private Partnerships.
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Digital nomad visas
As an international student from the US, there are a few ways to obtain a Canadian work visa. Firstly, on-campus work is a common first step for international students seeking Canadian work experience. It is important to ensure that your study permit explicitly authorises you to work, as it is not automatically permitted. In Canada, full-time international students may work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks, provided their study permit allows for off-campus work and they maintain good academic standing.
Another option to consider is the digital nomad visa program, which is part of Canada's Tech Talent Strategy. This initiative does not require a specific work visa or application process, and digital nomads are considered foreign workers with non-Canadian employers. To qualify, you must be eligible for visitor status in Canada, have a valid passport, and be a digital nomad—someone who works remotely, often from various global locations, leveraging technology rather than working from a fixed office. With this visa, digital nomads can stay in Canada for up to six months and work remotely without requiring additional documentation or proof of eligibility. However, they must comply with local tax and residency rules, and they may need to show proof of booked travel out of Canada before their six-month eligibility expires.
It is worth noting that the digital nomad visa does not provide the same assimilation opportunities as some other countries' digital nomad visas. Additionally, if you plan to stay longer or transition to another visa type, you may need to provide additional documents and consider the potential tax implications of becoming a tax resident.
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Post-graduation work
To be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
Firstly, you must have completed a study program that meets certain duration criteria. This is typically a minimum of eight months or 900 hours for Quebec-based programs. During your studies, you must have maintained full-time student status in Canada for each semester, although you may study part-time during your final semester.
Secondly, your study permit must have been valid at some point during the 180 days after your graduation, and before you submit your PGWP application. You must apply for your PGWP within 180 days of confirmation that you have completed your program.
Thirdly, you must be able to prove your language proficiency in English or French. This is assessed through minimum levels of Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) in all four language areas. The required level varies depending on when you submit your application. If your study permit application was submitted before November 1, 2024, you need to achieve a minimum CLB of 5 or NCLC of 5. For applications submitted on or after November 1, 2024, the requirement increases to CLB 7 or NCLC 7.
There are also special cases and exceptions to the general eligibility requirements. For example, if you complete your study program in less time than the normal length, you may still be eligible for a PGWP that is valid for the full length of your program. Additionally, if you began your studies at a private college delivered on behalf of a public college, either within the same province on or before May 15, 2024, or in another province on or before January 31, 2023, you may be eligible for a PGWP, provided you meet all other criteria.
It is important to note that even with a valid study permit, international students must ensure it clearly states that they are authorized to work in Canada. On-campus work is often the first opportunity for international students to gain Canadian work experience, with off-campus work requiring separate authorization.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two non-immigrant visa categories for studying in the US, commonly known as F and M visas. F-1 visas are for full-time students at an accredited college, university, or academic institution. M-1 visas are for vocational or non-academic programs.
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week on campus while school is in session and 40 hours during breaks. Off-campus work is limited and requires separate authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
To work in Canada, international students need a study permit that authorizes them to work. This includes working remotely for an employer outside Canada. Full-time international students may work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks.
Applicants must obey the law with no criminal record and plan to work for an eligible employer. A medical exam may also be required.
Yes, additional routes such as digital nomad visas and the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program are available for international students.
