Working in Canada as an International Student in 2024: What You Need to Know
2024-05-28 2024-06-18 11:50Working in Canada as an International Student in 2024: What You Need to Know
As an international student in Canada, understanding the work hours limit is crucial for balancing your academic and financial responsibilities while ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. CCC will explain IRCC’s latest updates on international student work hours in this article. We will also explore international students’ work requirements for both on-campus and off-campus jobs, as well as guidelines for working after completing your study program and graduating.
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2024 Latest Update - International Students Off-Campus Work Hours
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has clear regulations on the number of hours international students can work.
During the academic term, International students working hours after April 2024 are 20 hours per week. However, during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays, and reading weeks, students are permitted to work full time, which can be more than 40 hours per week.
Find more details below.
What does off-campus work mean in Canada?
What is considered off-campus work?
Off-campus work refers to employment with businesses or organizations not affiliated with your educational institution.
What is considered on-campus work?
On-campus work refers to jobs located within the university or college. On-campus employers can be the school itself, a faculty member, a student organization, a private contractor that provides on-campus services to the school, etc.
Compared to off-campus work, international students in Canada face fewer restrictions when it comes to on-campus working hour limits. We will explain more later.
Eligibility Requirements to Work Off-campus as an International Student
To work off-campus, your study permit must allow it. You can start working only after your study program begins. Violating immigration rules can lead to serious consequences, such as losing your student status and being required to leave Canada.
To be eligible to work as an international student in Canada, you must fulfill the following requirements:
How Can I Work Off-Campus as A Full-time Student?
You must fulfill all the below requirements to work off-campus as a full-time student:
- Be a full-time student at a DLI (Designated Learning Institution)
- You are enrolled in either
- a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program or
- a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
- Your study program length is at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- You have started studying
- You have a SIN (social insurance number)
Can Part-Time International Students Work Off-Campus?
Part-time international students can work off-campus if:
- They are only studying part-time, instead of full-time, because:
- you’re in the last semester of your study program and you don’t need a full course load to complete your program and
- you were a full-time student in your program in Canada, up until your last semester
- They are enrolled in either
- a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or
- a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
- Their study program length is at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- They have started studying
- They have a SIN (social insurance number)
Who cannot Work Off-Campus?
You cannot work off-campus if you are on an authorized leave, switching schools, or not currently studying.
Working Off-Campus as a Co-op or Intern
International students must obtain a co-op work permit to work as a co-op or intern if it is part of the program’s requirement.
If your DLI considers you a full-time student during your co-op term and you meet the co-op work permit requirements, you can also work off-campus in addition to your co-op hours.
You might want to check out:
How to Study and Work in Canada? Introducing Our Co-op Programs
International Student Off-campus Working Hours in Canada
Many students ask, “How many hours can I work off-campus per week?” The answer depends on your specific circumstances.
Maximum Working Hours During Semesters
As of May 2024, eligible full-time students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during school terms. There are no restrictions on the number of jobs, as long as the total hours do not exceed 20 per week.
Unlimited Working Hours During Scheduled Breaks
During scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer vacations, eligible international students can work unlimited hours off-campus, including full-time and overtime.
Part-time International Students Work Hour Limit
Part-time students meeting the off-campus work eligibility requirements can work up to 20 hours per week during school terms.
Please visit IRCC’s official page for the most updated policy
IRCC New Rules for International Students Working Hours in Fall 2024
On April 29, 2024, IRCC released news about working hours.
Starting in the fall of 2024, international students will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic term. This adjustment aims to provide greater flexibility while ensuring that academic commitments remain a priority.
Eligibility Requirements to Work On-campus as an International Student
Eligible international students are allowed to work on-campus.
To work on-campus without a work permit, you must:
- Be a full-time student at one of the following institutions:
- public post-secondary school, such as a college, university, trade or technical school, or CEGEP in Quebec
- private post-secondary school in Quebec that operates under the same rules as public schools in Quebec
- private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering qualifying programs of 900 hours or longer leading to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) or an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS)
- Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctorate), but only if the student is enrolled in a study program leading to a degree authorized by the province
- This may not include all programs of study offered by the private institution.
- Have a valid study permit or maintained status
- Have conditions printed on your initial study permit allowing you to work on campus and
- Have a SIN (social insurance number)
You can only begin working in Canada once your study program starts. Working before your studies begin is not permitted.
On-campus Working Hours for International Students
IRCC does not limit the working hours for international students to work on campus. However, some institutions may restrict the working hours.
You can work as many hours as you wish on campus, alongside your off-campus employment, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements for on-campus work.
Please visit IRCC’s official page for the most updated policy
How to Count Your Working Hours?
It is essential to accurately track and calculate your working hours.
Hours include any time spent earning wages or receiving a commission, even if you’re on call and not actively working during that time.
International students have the responsibility to calculate their working hours and ensure that they won’t exceed the work hour limits.
Can International Students Work after Graduation
Once they finish their study program, there are two scenarios in which international students may be eligible to work full-time in Canada:
- If international students apply for a work permit or a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) before their study permit expires.
- If they are starting a new study program within 150 calendar days.
Canada International Student Work Cap: Conclusion
Understanding the differences between on-campus and off-campus work eligibility requirements and work-hour restrictions is essential for international students who need to balance their studies and employment. On-campus jobs offer convenience and flexibility, whereas off-campus employment provides a wider variety of experiences and networking opportunities. By following IRCC regulations and making informed decisions, international students can effectively manage their academic and work commitments, enriching their experience in Canada.
For the latest information, visit IRCC’s official website.
FAQ: Working in Canada as an International Student
As an international student in Canada, you can typically work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions. However, you may be eligible to work full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.
International students can work more than 20 hours per week during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.
The unlimited working hour policy for Canada’s international students will no longer be available after April 2024. However, the working hour limits may be extended to 24 hours per week starting in the Fall of 2024.
International students can work full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.
International students can start working once their study program begins, and have the necessary authorization to work in Canada.
You should cease working once you have received your final grades. However, you can continue working after completing your studies if you have applied for a work permit or if you are beginning a new study program.
