For many international students, the opportunity to work while studying in Canada is not only a means to gain valuable experience but also to support their living expenses. The good news? In most cases, you can work on-campus or off-campus without applying for a separate work permit.
With the right conditions on your study permit, you may:
- Work unlimited hours on campus, and
- Work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the school year.
However, all work privileges must be authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The rules will be clearly stated in your study permit.
⚠️ Breaking these rules — such as working more than permitted hours — could cost you your student status, limit future immigration opportunities, and even result in removal from Canada.
To legally work, you also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) — a nine-digit code required for jobs, taxes, and government benefits.
👉 Remember: you cannot start working until your classes officially begin.
What This Guide Covers
This step-by-step guide explains:
- Eligibility requirements for on-campus, off-campus, and remote work,
- How internships and co-op work permits fit in, and
- When and why you can take authorized leave from your studies.
Types of Work Allowed for International Students
Before diving into the details of Canada’s study permit work rules, it’s important to understand the types of employment:
- On-campus jobs: Work within your school grounds — like the library, cafeteria, or student union.
- Off-campus jobs: Employment outside school, such as restaurants, shops, or self-employment (e.g., Uber delivery, tutoring, or freelance work).
- Remote jobs: Employment with a foreign company that has no Canadian presence or clients.
Work Hours and Conditions
Here’s a quick overview of what international students can do:
| Work type | Hours allowed per week | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| On campus | Unlimited | Restricted to your campus unless you qualify for exceptions. |
| Off campus | 24 hours | Can hold multiple jobs, but capped at 24 hours per week. |
| Off campus (scheduled breaks) | Unlimited | Breaks must last at least 7 consecutive days; up to 180 days/year. |
| Remote work (foreign employer) | Unlimited | Not counted toward the 24-hour weekly limit. |
On-Campus Jobs for International Students
International students who meet IRCC’s requirements can take on-campus jobs in Canada without applying for a work permit.
Potential on-campus employers include:
- Your school,
- Faculty members,
- Student organizations,
- On-campus businesses,
- Contractors offering services on school property, or
- If you are running a business that is physically located on campus, consider yourself.
✅ There’s no limit to how many hours you can work on campus.
Eligibility to Work On Campus
You qualify if you:
- Are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI),
- Hold a valid study permit with authorization to work, and
- Attend a public college/university, certain private Quebec institutions, or a recognized private Canadian school that awards degrees.
👉 Part-time students in their final semester are also eligible if all previous terms were full-time.
Restrictions
You must stop working on campus if:
- You drop below full-time status (unless it’s your last term),
- Your study permit expires,
- You are on authorized leave, or
- You switch schools and haven’t resumed studies.
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Off-Campus Jobs for International Students
Working off campus is one of the biggest advantages for international students. You may work up to 24 hours per week during semesters and unlimited hours during breaks — without needing a work permit.
Eligibility for Off-Campus Work
You can work off campus if you:
- Are enrolled full-time at a DLI,
- Have already started your program,
- Are in a program lasting at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, and
- Study at the post-secondary level (or in certain Quebec vocational programs).
👉 In your final semester, you can work off-campus part-time if fewer courses are needed to complete your program.
Working During Scheduled Breaks
International students can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer holidays, winter vacations, or reading weeks.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a full-time student before and after the break, and
- Ensure the break lasts at least 7 consecutive days and is scheduled by your school.
⚠️ Unlimited work is capped at 180 days per calendar year.
Who Cannot Work Off-Campus Without a Permit
You need a work permit if:
- Your study permit prohibits off-campus work,
- You’re only enrolled in ESL/FSL courses,
- You’re taking general interest or prerequisite courses.
If you later qualify (e.g., switching programs), you can request changes to your study permit.
Co-op and Internship Work Permits
Some programs require internships or co-op placements. In these cases, you’ll need a co-op work permit in Canada.
Requirements:
- A valid study permit, and
- A letter from your DLI confirming the placement is mandatory.
⚠️ Students in ESL/FSL or general interest programs are not eligible for co-op permits.
Remote Jobs for International Students in Canada
Can international students work remotely in Canada? Yes, as long as the employer is outside Canada.
Conditions include:
- No Canadian operations or clients,
- No Canadian-based payment.
👉 Remote work does not count toward the 24-hour off-campus limit, making it an attractive option for students looking for extra income.
Authorized Leave from Studies
International students may take an authorized leave of up to 150 days while keeping their student status. However, you cannot work during this period.
Valid reasons include:
- School closures or strikes,
- Deferring program start dates,
- Family or health emergencies, or
- Switching institutions.
IRCC does not require you to notify them if you are on authorized leave, but your DLI must approve it.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the rules on how international students can work in Canada without a work permit is crucial. Balancing work and studies not only helps with finances but also provides valuable Canadian experience that can benefit your future career.
By following IRCC’s guidelines — whether through on-campus jobs, off-campus employment, internships, or remote work — you can make the most of your time in Canada while staying compliant with your study permit.
