Work hours allowed for international students in Canada explained

Starting this fall, international students in Canada will experience a significant shift in their work conditions. They will soon be permitted to work up to 24 hours a week off-campus, an increase from the current 20-hour weekly cap. This change is part of the government's effort to create a balance between allowing students to work while ensuring that their academic responsibilities remain their top priority.

The announcement was made by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in April. He highlighted that the new 24-hour limit offers students greater flexibility while protecting their academic outcomes. This new policy is expected to roll out sometime this fall, though an official date has yet to be confirmed. Until then, international students must adhere to the current 20-hour off-campus work limit while school is in session.

Flexibility in Work Hours During Breaks

Although students face restrictions during the academic term, they can work as many hours as they wish during scheduled breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays. During these periods, there is no cap on working hours. This flexibility provides a great opportunity for international students to earn additional income or gain experience in their fields of interest.

Off-campus work is defined as employment outside the confines of the educational institution, encompassing a wide variety of roles, including self-employment. Popular options among students include working for companies like Uber or DoorDash. However, students should be mindful of abiding by the regulations. Failing to do so could lead to serious consequences, such as losing student status, being denied future work or study permits, or even being required to leave Canada.

Until the new 24-hour cap is officially enforced, international students must continue to follow the existing 20-hour limit for off-campus work while classes are in session.

Understanding Work Conditions for International Students

The work rules for international students can sometimes be complex. Here’s a breakdown of typical work conditions:

• On-campus employment: There is no limit to how many hours students can work on-campus.
• Off-campus work while classes are in session: Currently, students can work up to 20 hours per week, but starting this fall, they will be allowed to work up to 24 hours.
• Off-campus work during school breaks: Students can work unlimited hours during official school breaks.
• Remote work for employers outside Canada: There are no restrictions on how many hours students can work remotely for employers based outside of Canada.

Who Can Work While Studying in Canada?

Not all international students are automatically eligible to work off-campus. To qualify for this privilege, a student’s study permit must specifically state that they are allowed to work either on-campus or off-campus. If this condition is met, no separate work permit is required for off-campus employment, provided the student meets the following criteria:

1. Valid study permit: The student must have a current, valid study permit.
2. Full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution (DLI): Students must be enrolled full-time at a school recognized by the government.
3. Satisfactory academic progress: Students need to be in good academic standing at their institution.
4. Duration and type of program: The student must be studying in a program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
5. Social Insurance Number (SIN): The student must have a valid SIN, a requirement for working in Canada.

Full-time students who meet these conditions can work part-time off-campus during the academic term and full-time during breaks. However, part-time students can still work off-campus under certain circumstances. If a student is in their final semester and only needs to complete a reduced course load, they may continue to work off-campus as long as they were a full-time student in their previous semesters.

Students Who Aren’t Eligible to Work Off-Campus

It’s important to note that not all international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus. Students in the following categories are not eligible unless they obtain a work permit:

• Students enrolled in English or French as a second language program.
• Those taking general interest courses.
• Students taking courses required for acceptance into a full-time program.
• Students who do not meet the other requirements for off-campus work.

Working On-Campus

One of the benefits for international students in Canada is the opportunity to work on-campus, in addition to off-campus employment. Unlike off-campus work, there are no hourly restrictions for on-campus jobs, giving students more freedom to manage their work schedules. On-campus jobs can range from positions with the school itself to jobs with faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses that operate on the campus.

In some cases, students may even work for themselves if they own a business located on campus. There are some flexibility rules regarding which campus a student can work on, particularly if they are working as a research or teaching assistant, or if their job is tied to a research grant.

Earning as an International Student

For those looking to earn money while studying, minimum wage rates vary by province in Canada. Here's a quick look at the wage structure:

These are just a few examples of minimum wage rates across provinces. In some areas, international students may seek out higher-paying part-time roles, such as administrative positions or tutoring, to maximize their earnings. Certain jobs may have restrictions for students on study permits, so it’s essential to understand the conditions outlined in your permit.

Additionally, international students in Canada are considered residents for tax purposes and must file income tax returns annually.

Recent Changes in Work Hour Policies

Historically, international students in Canada were allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during regular school semesters. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government introduced a temporary policy that allowed students to work up to 40 hours a week. This measure was implemented to address labour shortages and give students more financial freedom during a difficult time.

This temporary policy ended on April 30, 2024. Minister Miller emphasized that the decision not to extend the policy was made to protect the integrity of the student system and prevent students from being financially exploited. He reiterated that the primary reason students come to Canada should be for education, not work and that the government will continue efforts to safeguard the student program.

The Future of International Students’ Work Opportunities in Canada

Canada’s evolving work policies for international students are designed to ensure that students can focus on their studies while still having the chance to gain valuable work experience. The new 24-hour work limit strikes a balance between earning opportunities and academic priorities, giving students greater flexibility without compromising their education. By working within the guidelines, international students can take full advantage of both their educational and work opportunities in Canada.