Beginning this fall, international students in Canada will be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, up from the current limit of 20 hours.
This update was announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller in April, who emphasized that the new 24-hour cap “strikes the appropriate balance so students can work without impacting their academic performance.”
While the precise start date is still pending, the new regulation is anticipated to come into effect sometime this month. In the meantime, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during their classes.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work. This includes off-campus work such as self-employment roles like Uber or DoorDash deliveries, as well as any other employment outside the educational institution and its campus.
Failure to follow the rules could lead to serious consequences, including losing student status, being ineligible for future study or work permits, and potentially being required to leave Canada.
Note: Until the new hourly cap is officially implemented, the current limit of 20 hours per week for off-campus work during classes remains in effect.
Work Conditions and Hour Limits:
- On-campus: Unlimited
- Off-campus, while classes are in session (current limit): 20 hours
- Off-campus, while classes are in session (starting this fall): 24 hours
- Off-campus, during school breaks: Unlimited
- Remote work for an employer outside Canada: Unlimited
Eligibility for International Students to Work in Canada:
International students are permitted to work on-campus or off-campus if their study permit authorizes this. To work off-campus without a separate work permit, students must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Have commenced their studies at the DLI and maintain satisfactory academic standing.
- Be enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Students must be full-time before and after a break to be eligible for full-time work during the break. For instance, they cannot start working before their first semester begins.
Part-time students at designated learning institutions (DLIs) may work off-campus if they are in their final semester, need a reduced course load to complete their studies, and were full-time students in previous semesters.
However, some international students are not eligible for off-campus work in Canada, including:
- Students enrolled only in English or French as a second language programs
- Those taking only general interest courses
- Students taking courses to qualify for admission to a full-time program
- Students who do not meet the requirements for off-campus work
These individuals will need a separate work permit to work while studying in Canada.
Working On-Campus as an International Student in Canada
For international students in Canada, part-time on-campus jobs can provide valuable international experience and help cover basic expenses.
Students are allowed to work on-campus in addition to any off-campus employment, with no limit on the number of hours they can work. On-campus work includes positions within the school's buildings or grounds, such as jobs with the institution itself, faculty members, student organizations, or private businesses operating on campus. Students can also work for their own businesses if they are located on campus.
If a school has multiple campuses, students are generally expected to work at the campus where they are enrolled. However, exceptions are possible, such as when students are research or teaching assistants, or if the work is associated with a research grant. Students may also work at affiliated libraries or research facilities located off the main campus.
Additionally, international students can work unlimited hours remotely for an employer based outside Canada, provided they adhere to the conditions of their study permit. This remote work does not count toward the off-campus work hour limit.
Earnings for International Students in Canada
For those seeking part-time employment, the minimum wage varies by province:
Province | Minimum Wage | Effective Date |
Alberta | $15.00 | June 26, 2019 |
British Columbia | $17.40 | June 1, 2024 |
Manitoba | $15.30 | October 1, 2023 |
New Brunswick | $15.30 | April 1, 2024 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | $15.60 | April 1, 2024 |
Northwest Territories | $16.05 | September 1, 2023 |
Nova Scotia | $15.20 | April 1, 2024 |
Nunavut | $19.00 | January 1, 2024 |
Ontario | $16.55 | October 1, 2023 |
Ontario | $17.20 | October 1, 2024 |
Prince Edward Island | $15.40 | April 1, 2024 |
Prince Edward Island | $16.00 | October 1, 2024 |
Quebec | $15.75 | May 1, 2024 |
Saskatchewan | $14.00 | October 1, 2023 |
Saskatchewan | $15.00 | October 1, 2024 |
Yukon | $17.59 | April 1, 2024 |
Students looking to maximize their earnings may consider higher-paying roles in administration, teaching, or translation.
Certain occupations or employers may have restrictions for study permit holders, which will be specified on the study permit.
As residents of Canada for tax purposes, students are required to file income tax returns the following year.
Changes to International Students’ Work Hour Limits
Historically, international students in Canada were allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms. During the pandemic, the government introduced a temporary policy that permitted students to work more than 20 hours per week, up to a maximum of 40 hours, to address the labor shortage and help students increase their earnings.
The temporary policy ended on April 30, 2024, with IRCC announcing that it would not be extended to “ensure system integrity and protect students from fraud and financial vulnerability.”
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that these reforms are designed to allow students to focus on their education. “Primarily, individuals coming to Canada as students should be here to study, not to work. We will continue to work to maintain the integrity of our student program.”
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