Canada Increases Work Hours for International Students This Fall
Starting this fall, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, up from the previous 20-hour limit. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this change in April, stating that the 24-hour cap allows students to work without jeopardizing their academic performance.
Although the exact date for the new rule is yet to be confirmed, it's expected to take effect later this month. Until then, the 20-hour weekly limit remains in place. During scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays, students can work as many hours as they want. Off-campus work includes jobs outside the school’s campus, such as driving for Uber or delivering for DoorDash.
If students exceed the permitted hours, they risk losing their student status, facing rejection for future study or work permits, or even being required to leave Canada.
Eligibility to Work as an International Student
To work off-campus without a work permit, you must:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Maintain satisfactory academic standing.
- Be in an academic, vocational, or professional program that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Part-time students can work off-campus in their final semester if they need fewer courses to graduate and were full-time students in earlier semesters.
However, some international students can’t work off-campus. This includes those only enrolled in language courses, general interest classes, or those who don’t meet the eligibility criteria. If any of these apply to you, you'll need a work permit to work while studying.
On-Campus Employment
You can also work on-campus, where there are no limits on the number of hours you can work. On-campus jobs include working for the school, faculty members, student organizations, or campus-based businesses.
You can also work remotely for an employer outside of Canada if it complies with your study permit conditions. This remote work doesn’t count towards the off-campus work hour limit.
Minimum Wage and Earnings
The minimum wage varies by province, ranging from $14.00 to $19.00 per hour. To earn more, look for higher-paying jobs in administration, teaching, or translation.
Remember, you’ll need to file an income tax return as a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
Recent Changes to Work Hour Limits
Previously, international students in Canada could only work up to 20 hours per week during the school term. During the pandemic, the government temporarily allowed students to work up to 40 hours per week to help with labor shortages. This policy ended on April 30, 2024, with no extension to protect students from financial risks and maintain system integrity.
Minister Miller emphasized that students come to Canada to study, not to work, and the new 24-hour cap supports this focus.
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