Studying in Canada is exciting and many international students also want to work while studying. Good news: in most cases, you can work both on campus and off campus without getting a separate work permit, as long as you meet a few conditions set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Below is a clear guide to help you understand the rules, hours, and requirements, without the confusing legal language.
Who Can Work While Studying
If you are a full-time international student at a college, university, or approved school in Canada, and you have a valid study permit that states you can work, you may be eligible to work while studying. You must wait until your classes actually start before beginning any paid job.
How Many Hours You Can Work
The table below shows the basic rules for how many hours you can work depending on the type of job:
| Work conditions | Number of hours allowed per week | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| On campus | Unlimited | Work must stay on your school campus, unless you meet special exemptions. |
| Off campus | 24 | You can hold more than one job to reach 24 hours, but you must follow all study permit conditions. |
| Off campus during scheduled breaks | Unlimited | Breaks must last at least 7 consecutive days. You can work up to 180 days per year. |
| Remote for an employer outside Canada | Unlimited | These hours do not count toward the 24-hour limit. |
Working On Campus
You can work unlimited hours on campus if you are a full-time student with a valid study permit that says you can work. “On campus” means any building or facility within your school’s property, like the library, cafeteria, or student centre. You may also work for a business operating on campus or even run your own small business there.
You must stop working on campus if you stop studying full time (unless you are in your final semester), if your study permit expires, if you are on an authorized leave, or if you are switching schools and not actively studying.
Working Off Campus
International students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular school terms. During scheduled school breaks such as summer holidays, you can work unlimited hours, as long as you were a full-time student before and after the break.
To work off campus without a work permit, you must:
- Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Have started your program, which must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
You can also combine more than one part-time job to reach the 24-hour limit.
Remote Work
You can work online for a company outside Canada with no hourly limit if that employer has no physical or financial ties to Canada. This is considered remote work and does not count toward your 24-hour off-campus limit. For example, you can freelance for a company in another country as long as they have no Canadian presence.
Co-op or Internship Work
If your study program requires a co-op placement or internship to graduate, you must get a co-op work permit. To apply, you need a valid study permit and a letter from your school confirming that the internship is mandatory.
Authorized Leave from Studies
Sometimes students need a break. You can take an authorized leave of up to 150 days for reasons like illness, family emergencies, school strikes, or pregnancy, if your school approves it. During this time you cannot work on or off campus.
Can I work before my classes begin?
No. You must wait until your program officially starts.
What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and do I need one?
Yes. A SIN is a nine-digit number you must have to work in Canada and to pay taxes. You can apply for it once you have started your studies and have a valid study permit.
Can I work more than 24 hours a week off campus if I really need extra money?
Not during regular school sessions. Working beyond 24 hours is against IRCC rules and can cause serious problems, like losing your student status or being denied future permits.
Does remote work for a Canadian company count toward my 24-hour limit?
Yes. If the company is based in Canada or serves Canadian clients, it counts as Canadian work and follows the 24-hour rule.
What if I switch programs or schools?
You must stay enrolled and keep your study permit valid. If you change programs and your permit has conditions that no longer fit, you may need to update your study permit.
Key Takeaway
Working while studying in Canada is possible and can be a great way to gain experience and earn money. Follow the rules carefully, keep track of your hours, and always make sure your study permit allows the type of work you plan to do.
📞 Call us: 04 260 7837
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/971529693030
🌐 Website: www.askkubeir.ae
📍 Office No. 45, 9th Floor, Conrad Tower, WTC, Dubai
