Working While Studying in Canada: IRCC Rules Explained
Working While Studying in Canada: A Complete Guide for International Students
Thinking about working while studying in Canada as an international student? You’re not alone! Many students in Canada balance their studies with part-time work to help cover expenses, gain career experience, and build connections. The good news is that, in most cases, you can work both on and off campus without needing a separate work permit—as long as you meet the eligibility rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Let’s break down everything you need to know about working legally while studying in Canada, including who qualifies, how many hours you can work, and what types of jobs are allowed.
Key Highlights
- International students can work unlimited hours on campus and up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms.
- Remote work for foreign employers is allowed and does not count toward the 24-hour off-campus limit.
- During scheduled school breaks, students can work off campus without an hourly cap.
- You must hold a valid study permit with work authorization and be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Internships or co-op placements tied to your program require a separate co-op work permit.
- Taking an authorized leave from studies means you cannot work during that time.
Who Can Work While Studying in Canada?
To work on or off campus without a work permit, you need to:
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Have a valid study permit that includes a condition allowing work
- Be in a program that’s at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Wait until your program officially starts before beginning work
One more thing—you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can be legally employed in Canada. It’s a nine-digit number used for tax and employment purposes.
On-Campus Work
Working on campus is a great way to earn money while staying close to your classes. The best part? You can work as many hours as you want on campus—no cap!
What counts as on-campus work?
- Jobs with your school (e.g., library, cafeteria, or bookstore)
- Work for a faculty member or student organization
- Employment with a private business or contractor operating on your campus
- Running your own business located physically on campus
Eligibility for on-campus work without a permit includes being a full-time student at:
- A public post-secondary institution (college, university, technical school)
- A private school in Quebec that operates like a public school
- A Quebec institution offering 900+ hour DVC or AVS programs
- A private school in Canada authorized to grant degrees
Note: If you’re in your final semester and studying part-time, you’re still considered eligible—as long as you were full-time for all previous terms.
When you can’t work on campus
You must stop working on campus if:
- Your study permit expires
- You switch schools and aren’t actively enrolled
- You take an authorized leave from your program
- You are no longer enrolled full-time and it’s not your final term
Off-Campus Work
Eligible students can work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks, you can work unlimited hours.
What qualifies as off-campus work?
- Retail jobs, restaurants, and local businesses
- Self-employment such as Uber driving, tutoring, or freelancing (within Canada)
You can hold multiple part-time jobs to reach your 24-hour limit. However, you must still meet all permit conditions, and your total hours cannot exceed the limit during the school term.
Scheduled breaks: Your time to earn more
You can work as many hours as you want off campus during scheduled breaks like:
- Winter and summer holidays
- Reading weeks
To qualify for unlimited hours during a break, you must hold full-time status immediately before and after the break. The break must be at least 7 consecutive days and scheduled by your school.
Keep in mind, you can only work unlimited hours during breaks for up to 180 days per calendar year.
Who can’t work off campus without a work permit?
You’ll need a separate work permit if:
- Your study permit says off-campus work isn’t allowed
- You’re only studying English or French as a second language
- You’re only taking general interest or prerequisite courses
If your eligibility changes (for example, you switch to a program that allows work), you can apply to change the conditions on your study permit.
Tracking your hours
IRCC expects students to track all hours worked off campus. This includes:
- Time spent actively working
- Time spent on call or waiting for tasks (even if unpaid)
- Self-employed work and freelance services
Internships and Co-op Placements
If your academic program includes a required co-op or internship component, you’ll need a co-op work permit.
To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid study permit
- Provide a letter from your DLI confirming the placement is mandatory
Note that your co-op or internship must make up less than 50% of your total program duration. Students in ESL/FSL programs or general interest courses aren’t eligible for a co-op permit and will need a regular work permit if they want to work.
Remote Work for Foreign Employers
Working remotely for an employer outside of Canada is allowed, provided:
- The company has no physical or business presence in Canada
- You’re not serving Canadian clients or being paid by a Canadian business
This type of work does not count toward your 24-hour weekly off-campus work limit, which makes it a great option for flexible income—especially in fields like programming, design, or writing.
Taking an Authorized Leave
Sometimes, life happens. IRCC allows students to take an authorized leave of up to 150 days without losing their study status. Valid reasons include:
- Medical issues or pregnancy
- Family emergencies
- School closures or strikes
- A deferred program start date
During your leave, you cannot work—either on or off campus. Once you resume your studies and full-time enrollment, you can return to work under standard conditions.
Final Thoughts
Balancing work and school life in Canada is absolutely possible, and in many cases, encouraged! With the right permits, a valid study plan, and awareness of your work limits, you can gain valuable experience while staying compliant with IRCC rules.
Ready to plan your future in Canada after graduation? Be sure to explore options like the Manitoba PNP or the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) to stay and work in Canada long-term.
Need help navigating your work or study permit? Speak to a trusted immigration professional to ensure you’re on the right path.
