Work in Canada for international students: a complete guide

Canada is one of the most popular study destinations in the world. The chance to earn money while you learn is a big part of the appeal. Beyond top Canadian universities and a welcoming culture, Canada also lets you gain real work experience, support your living costs, and build skills that strengthen your CV. If you hold a valid study permit, you're allowed to work part-time during your course, subject to certain conditions. Here's everything you need to know about how it works.

Yes, international students can work in Canada. When you receive your Canadian study permit, it typically includes conditions that authorise you to work off-campus — no separate work permit for international students is needed. This means you can start looking for part-time roles as soon as your program begins.

Am I eligible to work on my student visa?

To be eligible to work for students in Canada on a study permit, you'll need to meet all of the following conditions:

• You hold a valid study permit that includes a condition allowing off-campus work

• You are enrolled as a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)

• You are studying in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate

• Your study program has started — you cannot work before classes begin

• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

If your study permit doesn't include a work condition, you can request an amendment to have it added at no cost before applying for your SIN.

The Canadian government sets clear limits on how many hours you can work as an international student in Canada, and it's important you follow them. The rules differ depending on whether you're in the middle of a semester or on a scheduled break.

During semester

While classes are in session, you can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus. You can split these hours across more than one job, as long as the total doesn't exceed the cap. There is no set hour limit for on-campus work, but your studies must always remain your priority.

Keep in mind that working more than 24 hours per week off-campus is a violation of your study permit conditions and could result in losing your student status or being required to leave Canada.

During semester breaks

During scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays, winter breaks, or reading weeks, you're allowed to work unlimited hours off-campus. To qualify, you must have been a full-time student before the break and be returning to full-time studies afterwards. This is a great window to take on more hours, save up, and gain deeper work experience before your next term starts.

There are plenty of job options open to you when you study in Canada. Common roles international students take on include:

• Retail: Shops, supermarkets, and department stores

• Hospitality: Cafés, restaurants, and hotels

• On-campus jobs: Library assistant, research aide, or campus tour guide

• Tutoring: Helping other students with subjects you're strong in

• Internships or co-ops: Structured work placements arranged through your university

It's worth noting that freelancing and self-employment are generally not permitted on a study permit. You must be employed by a Canadian employer. However, you are allowed to work remotely for an employer outside Canada, and those hours don't count towards your 24-hour weekly limit.

Work related to your degree

If your program includes a compulsory co-op placement or internship, you'll need to apply for a separate co-op or intern work permit. To be eligible, your school must confirm that the placement is a required part of your program, and the work component can't make up more than 50% of your total study program. While you're waiting for your co-op work permit to be processed, you can start working using your existing off-campus authorisation, but those co-op hours will count towards your 24-hour weekly cap until the permit is approved.

While your Canada study and work visa does give you the right to work, there are some important restrictions to keep in mind:

• You cannot work more than 24 hours per week off-campus during the semester

• You cannot start working before your study program officially begins

• You cannot continue working after your study permit expires, unless you've applied for a post-graduation work permit before it expired

• You cannot freelance or be self-employed

• You cannot work off-campus if you're enrolled only in an ESL/FSL program, general interest courses, or prerequisite courses

Breaking these rules can have serious consequences, including losing your student status, being refused future permits, or being required to leave Canada.

When you work in Canada as an international student, you're entitled to the same workplace protections as any Canadian worker. These include:

• Minimum wage: Each province sets its own rate, so check what applies where you live

• Paid breaks: You're entitled to rest periods during your shifts

• Vacation pay: You earn vacation pay as a percentage of your wages

• Overtime protections: Your employer must follow provincial laws on overtime pay and time between shifts

• Protection from discrimination: The Canadian Human Rights Act protects you from unfair treatment based on race, gender, age, religion, or disability

If you feel your rights have been violated, you can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) or your province's labour standards office for support.

Before you start working, you'll need to apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada office — every employer in Canada requires one. Your study permit must include a work condition before you can apply.

All income you earn in Canada is taxable. As a working student, you must file an annual tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), even if your income is relatively low.

Depending on how much you earn, you may be eligible for a tax refund. It's worth keeping track of your pay slips and any education-related expenses throughout the year.

Ready to make your Canadian study plans work? IDP offers free counselling to help you find the right course and university — one that fits your goals, your budget, and your career ambitions. Our expert counsellors can guide you through every step, from choosing a program and exploring key intake dates to sorting out your visa and student accommodation in Canada.

If you need to sit for an English proficiency test, we've got you covered there too. As a co-owner of IELTS, IDP can help you prepare for and book your IELTS test with confidence. Enquire with us now to get started.