Top Side Hustles for International Students in Canada 2024
Side Hustles for International Students in Canada: How to Earn Money On-Campus, Off-Campus, and Remotely
If you’re an international student studying in Canada, you’ve probably thought about finding ways to earn a bit of extra spending money. Whether it’s to cover your daily expenses, start saving, or just gain valuable work experience, a side hustle can go a long way. The good news? Depending on your study permit conditions, you may be able to take on part-time or freelance work without needing a separate work permit.
Let’s dive into your options for on-campus, off-campus, and remote side hustles in Canada and what you need to know to stay compliant with immigration rules.
Key Highlights
- International students may work without a work permit if their study permit allows it.
- On-campus jobs can be done without hour restrictions if eligibility criteria are met.
- Off-campus work is generally limited to 24 hours per week during school terms.
- Remote work rules depend on whether the employer is Canadian or based abroad.
- Students must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work in Canada.
- Violating study permit rules can lead to serious consequences, including removal from Canada.
Before You Start: Make Sure You’re Eligible
First things first—you must check the conditions listed on your study permit. If it says you’re allowed to work on or off campus, and you’re actively enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI), then you’re likely in the clear. But always double-check to avoid running into issues down the road.
Also, if you plan to work in Canada in any capacity—even freelance gigs—you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). This nine-digit number is essential for tax and employment purposes. Applying for one is relatively quick and can be done online or at a Service Canada office.
On-Campus Side Hustles
On-campus jobs are a great starting point for international students. As long as you meet all eligibility requirements, you can work unlimited hours on campus without the need for a separate work permit.
Who can you work for on-campus?
- Your school or one of its departments
- A student organization
- A private business that operates on campus
- A contractor providing services to the school
- Your own on-campus-based business
Popular On-Campus Jobs for Students
Library or Front Desk Assistant: Help manage book loans, shelve resources, and assist students with basic tech like printers or scanners. It’s a relaxed gig that also helps you stay connected to campus life.
Research Assistant: Work alongside professors or labs collecting data, conducting literature reviews, or helping with experiments. It’s a great resume booster, especially if you’re eyeing graduate school.
Accessibility Note-Taker: Attend classes and create clean, organized notes for students with accommodations. You’ll help others and improve your own academic skills in the process.
Student Club or Union Assistant: Help with event planning, social media updates, or member communications. This kind of job can be a lot of fun and is perfect if you’re a people-person.
Off-Campus Side Hustles
If your study permit allows for it, you can work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms. During scheduled breaks—like summer vacation or winter holidays—you can work full-time without any weekly cap.
Just remember to carefully track your hours. Even time spent doing gig work or waiting on-call counts toward your weekly limit.
Popular Off-Campus Jobs for International Students
Delivery Driver or Cyclist: Partner with apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash to deliver meals or groceries. It’s flexible and can be a good fit for students with their own transportation.
Pet Care and Dog Walking: Love animals? Offer pet-sitting or dog walking services in your neighbourhood. Many families need reliable help while they’re at work or travelling.
Mystery Shopper: Get paid to visit stores and evaluate customer service, store cleanliness, and product availability. You’ll submit a report afterward, sometimes with photos.
In-Person Tutor: Use your academic strengths to help younger students or peers with their studies. Meet at libraries, cafés, or students’ homes for personalized sessions.
Looking to immigrate to Manitoba after your studies? Check out our detailed guide on the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).
Remote Side Hustles
Remote work offers a world of flexibility, but you’ll need to be mindful of where your employer is based. If you’re working remotely for a Canadian company or client, those hours count toward your 24-hour weekly limit. However, if you’re working for a foreign employer with no Canadian ties, you can work unlimited hours.
Remote Job Ideas for Students
Virtual Assistant: Help small businesses manage their calendars, schedule meetings, respond to emails, and handle data entry. Many of these jobs are freelance and can be done on your own time.
Customer Support Representative: Answer questions and solve problems for customers via chat, email, or phone. It’s a great way to build communication skills while earning steady pay.
Freelancer on Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr: Create a profile and offer services like content writing, graphic design, web development, or social media marketing.
Copywriter: Write polished, persuasive content for websites, social media, or email campaigns. This can be especially rewarding if you enjoy storytelling and creative writing.
Plus, you can even mix and match—taking on a remote gig for a foreign company while balancing a Canadian part-time job. Just make sure that any work involving Canadian clients doesn’t exceed the 24-hour limit.
Why Following the Rules Matters
It might be tempting to go over your work-hour limit or skip a few of the rules, but that can have serious consequences. Violating the terms of your study permit can result in losing your student status, being removed from Canada, and having future applications for permits or permanent residency denied.
When in doubt, it’s best to speak with an immigration consultant or your school’s international student office to make sure you’re on the right track.
Final Thoughts
Side hustles are a fantastic way for international students to earn money, gain experience, and build connections while studying in Canada. Whether you’re helping out on campus, delivering food in your neighbourhood, or freelancing from your laptop, there’s something out there that can fit your schedule and skillset.
Just remember to check your study permit, get your SIN, and stay within the work limits to keep everything above board.
Want more tips on studying, working, or immigrating to Canada? Explore our complete guide for international students in Canada or contact us for personalized advice.
