Unlimited Work Hours for International Students in Canada

How International Students in Canada Can Work Unlimited Hours Legally

If you’re an international student studying in Canada, you might be wondering how many hours you’re legally allowed to work while studying. The standard rule is up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions. But did you know that in some cases, you can actually work an unlimited number of hours — even while classes are in session? Let’s break it down.

Key Highlights

• International students can work unlimited hours if employed on campus or freelancing for foreign clients.
• The 24-hour weekly limit applies only to off-campus work for Canadian employers during academic sessions.
• Unlimited work hours are also allowed during scheduled academic breaks of at least 7 days.
• Freelancing for clients outside Canada doesn’t count as entering the Canadian labour market.
• Students must meet specific eligibility criteria to work legally in Canada under their study permit.
• Work experience during studies typically doesn’t count toward Canadian Experience Class (CEC) eligibility.

Understanding Work Limits for International Students

Under most Canadian study permits, international students can work up to 24 hours per week when classes are in session if the job is off-campus and for a Canadian employer. However, there are two key exceptions that allow students to work more:

• On-campus employment: No cap on work hours.
• Freelancing for international clients: Also has no hour restrictions, as it doesn’t enter the Canadian labour market.

Here’s a quick look at how work hours are typically allowed under a study permit:

During scheduled academic breaks — like winter or summer holidays — students are permitted to work unlimited hours for any employer, on or off campus, provided the break is at least seven consecutive days and is officially recognized by the school (up to 150 days).

Working On Campus: What You Need to Know

On-campus jobs are a popular choice for international students, and for good reason — there’s no limit to the number of hours you can work, even during the school year.

Who Can You Work For?

On-campus employers can include:

• Your school (university, college, etc.)
• A faculty member
• A student organization
• Yourself (if your business is located physically on campus — for example, a campus café)
• A private business operating on campus
• A contractor providing on-campus services to the school

What Counts as “On Campus”?

Work must be done in a building that’s part of your school’s physical campus. If your institution has multiple campuses, you’re generally limited to working on the one where you’re enrolled. However, exceptions exist for teaching or research assistants whose work is directly tied to a research grant — they may work in off-campus labs, hospitals, or other affiliated sites.

Freelancing for International Clients

Freelancing is another great option if you’re looking to work more freely while studying. If you’re doing freelance work for companies or clients outside of Canada, there’s no cap on how many hours you can work. This is because you’re not technically entering the Canadian labour market.

To stay compliant, ensure:

• You’re working as an independent contractor (self-employed)
• Your clients are based outside Canada and have no financial ties to Canada

Note: Even if the work is done remotely from Canada, as long as it’s for foreign clients, it’s not considered Canadian employment. But keep in mind — you’ll still need to report the income on your Canadian taxes and may be expected to contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Eligibility to Work as an International Student

To legally work while studying in Canada, your study permit must include a condition allowing you to work on or off campus. You must also:

• Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Be actively enrolled in a post-secondary program
• Hold a valid study permit or maintain implied status
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

You can only begin working once your program has officially started — not before.

Maintaining Compliance

To continue working legally, you must:

• Remain enrolled at a DLI
• Show active academic progress (either full-time or part-time if in final semester)
• Not take an authorized leave longer than 150 days
• Extend your study permit if you switch institutions
• Stop working if you no longer meet study permit conditions

Part-Time Students in Their Final Semester

If you’re in your last semester and only need a few courses to graduate, you may study part-time and still work unlimited hours on-campus — as long as you were full-time in every previous semester and meet all other eligibility criteria.

Does This Work Experience Count Toward Permanent Residency?

Here’s where things get a little tricky. If you’re working while studying full-time, unfortunately, that experience does not count toward the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) for permanent residence or for Canadian work experience points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

However, this experience can still be valuable! It may count under other immigration programs like:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Category-based draws under Express Entry
• CRS points for foreign work experience transferability

If you’re considering permanent residence later, it’s a good idea to explore your province’s nominee programs too, like the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP).

Final Thoughts

Canada offers some great opportunities for international students to gain work experience, earn extra income, and build professional skills — all while pursuing their education. Just make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities under your study permit, so you can stay compliant and make the most of your time in Canada.

Have questions about your work rights as a student? Or planning your path to permanent residency? Contact us or read more about study permit conditions and work eligibility.

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