Working in Canada as an International Student: Key Rules and Opportunities
Studying in Canada offers more than world-class education—it also provides generous work opportunities both during and after your studies. International students can typically work on or off campus during their program and may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of up to three years after completing an eligible program (Government of Canada, 2024a).
However, these privileges come with important conditions. To stay compliant, it’s essential to understand the different types of work you can do, when you can begin, and how many hours you are allowed to work.
1. Types of Work Permitted
Most study permits automatically include authorization to work, provided you meet eligibility requirements. If your permit allows it, you may:
Work on campus for the university or college you attend.
Work off campus, including in co-op or internship programs connected to your field of study (Government of Canada, 2024b).
You’ll also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to track employment income and file taxes. You can apply for a SIN as soon as you arrive in Canada (Government of Canada, 2024c).
2. When You Can Start
You may begin working only after your study program officially starts. Employment must stop if:
You are no longer studying full-time (except during your final semester if you meet specific requirements).
Your study permit expires.
You take an unauthorized leave or transfer to another institution without being enrolled (Government of Canada, 2024b).
If your study permit doesn’t include work authorization but you qualify, you can apply to add this condition after arrival—usually a straightforward, fee-free process through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
3. Program and Institution Eligibility
Not all programs qualify for work authorization or a PGWP. Your school must be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and your program must generally:
Last at least six months, and
Lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate (Government of Canada, 2024a).
Programs that are too short, or DLIs that are not recognized by IRCC, may not make you eligible for a work permit. Always verify eligibility with your chosen institution before applying.
4. Weekly Work Limits
Canada’s government sets limits to ensure academics remain your primary focus:
During regular semesters: You may work up to 24 hours per week off campus. This limit applies even if you hold multiple jobs or are self-employed (Government of Canada, 2024d).
During scheduled breaks (e.g., summer vacation, winter holidays, or reading weeks): You can work unlimited hours, provided you were a full-time student before the break and will return to full-time studies afterward (Government of Canada, 2024d).
On-campus jobs are not subject to a weekly cap, but you must continue to meet the eligibility criteria for on-campus employment.
5. Self-Employment
If you run your own business or freelance, the same weekly limits apply during the academic term. You must maintain accurate records of your hours to demonstrate compliance with your study permit (Government of Canada, 2024d).
6. Post-Graduation Opportunities
Upon successful completion of an eligible program at a DLI, graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which may be valid for up to three years depending on program length (Government of Canada, 2024a). This permit provides valuable Canadian work experience and can be an important step toward permanent residence.
Citations
Government of Canada. (2024a). Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca
Government of Canada. (2024b). Work off campus as an international student. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca
Government of Canada. (2024c). Social Insurance Number (SIN) for international students. Service Canada. https://www.canada.ca
Government of Canada. (2024d). Rules for working during studies. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. https://www.canada.ca