With recent changes to student working hours in Canada, understanding working hours eligibility has become more important. If you’re planning to study in Canada or are already there, you probably have many questions about student working hours. This guide will clear up all your doubts!
What Are the New Rules for Student Working Hours in Canada?
As of November 8, 2024, Canada has updated its policy regarding international students’ work hours:
- Increased Off-Campus Work Hours: Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.
- Full-Time Work During Scheduled Breaks: Students may continue to work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.
Eligibility Requirements:
To work off-campus without a separate work permit, international students must:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Be enrolled in a program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
These changes aim to balance providing work opportunities for international students while ensuring they remain focused on their studies.
How Many Hours Is a Student Expected to Work in Canada?
The number of hours a student works depends on their needs, study load, and eligibility:
- Part-time work (During School Sessions): Up to 24 hours per week.
- Full-time work (During Scheduled Breaks): No limit; students can work as much as they want.
- On-Campus Work: No hour limit as long as you are enrolled full-time.
- Co-op or Internship Work: Hours depend on your academic program and co-op permit.
What Are the Requirements for Full-Time Students to Work in Canada?
To work as an international student in Canada, you must meet certain conditions:
- Have a valid study permit that explicitly states you can work.
- Be enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Be a full-time student in a post-secondary program (university or college).
- Have started your program (you cannot work before your studies begin).
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work in Canada.
If you’re unsure whether your study permit allows you to work, check the conditions on your permit or ask your school’s international student office.
Can I Work More Than 40 Hours a Week in Canada on an Open Work Permit?
Yes! If you hold an open work permit (such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit or Spouse Open Work Permit), you can work full-time without any restrictions on hours.
However, if you’re still on a student permit, you need to follow the work-hour rules applicable to students.
Pros and Cons of Working While Studying in Canada
✅ Pros:
- Gain valuable work experience.
- Earn extra income to help with living expenses.
- Build your professional network for future job opportunities.
- Improve time management and soft skills.
❌ Cons:
- Can be stressful balancing work and studies.
- May affect academic performance if work hours are too high.
- Some employers prefer candidates with PR or Canadian work experience.
Tips for Managing Work and Studies
- Prioritize your studies: Remember that your main goal in Canada is education.
- Choose flexible jobs: Many student jobs offer weekend or evening shifts to accommodate class schedules.
- Use campus resources: Career centers can help you find part-time jobs or co-op opportunities.
- Don’t overwork yourself: Ensure you have time for rest and social activities to maintain a healthy balance.
FAQs About Student Work Hours in Canada
1. Can I work as an international student without a work permit?
Yes, as long as your study permit includes a work condition and you meet eligibility requirements.
2. Can I work in Canada while waiting for my study permit extension?
If you applied for an extension before your permit expired, you can continue working under maintained status until a decision is made.
3. Can I work two jobs in Canada as a student?
Yes! As long as you don’t exceed the allowed work hours, you can work multiple jobs.
4. Can international students do remote work?
Yes! International students can work remotely for Canadian employers or even for companies outside Canada, as long as they comply with immigration and tax laws.
5. What happens if I work more hours than allowed?
If you break the work-hour rules, you could face penalties like losing your student status, deportation, or difficulty applying for future visas or PR.
Final Thoughts
Working as a student in Canada is a great opportunity to earn money, gain experience, and improve your resume. Just make sure you stay updated on the latest work-hour rules, balance your work and studies wisely, and avoid exceeding your permitted hours.
