Canada, like many other countries, allows international students to work while studying in the country.
This opportunity is part of the country’s efforts to promote international education and allow students to gain valuable work experiences.
International students in Canada work for several reasons; some work to earn money for their living expenses like rent, food, and transportation.
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Some also work to help pay for their tuition fees, which can be quite expensive.
For some, working part-time helps them learn valuable skills like managing time and communicating effectively.
For others, it lets them meet people in their field and learn about Canadian work culture.
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Working in Canada as a student is a great idea, however, there are rules you must obey if you want to remain on the right side of the law while working as a student.
International students often have questions about their work rights while studying in Canada – these rights determine how you work as a student.
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One common query among students is whether they can work more than 40 hours per week.
If you are unfamiliar with the working rules for international students in Canada, we are here to answer any questions you may have about working in Canada as a student.
We will walk you through the regulations, opportunities, and considerations regarding international students working hours in Canada.
First, on the list of rules, you need a permit to work in Canada as a student.
You can’t work without a valid permit
If you enter Canada with a work visa, you will be allowed to work in Canada as long as your visa remains valid.
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This is different for international students, you need more than your student visa to work as a student.
International students in Canada need a valid study permit to work on or off campus.
You do not necessarily need to get another work permit if you are on a full-time study program that lasts more than 8 months.
Your study permit is just enough to work.
However, there are conditions where you will need to obtain a specific work permit to work especially when you want to work off-campus.
Ensure that you keep the terms of your study permit/visa
If your study permit has a work option and any other term specific to you (it is rare to have this option), you need to keep these terms and conditions as outlined in your permit to avoid any legal issues.
In addition to a valid study permit, you are not allowed to work in Canada until your program starts.
You are only allowed to work once your program starts.
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Before you start working, read the conditions in your study permit and ensure that you follow them properly.
Yes, international students can work more than 40 hours (full-time) in Canada but it must be during scheduled breaks. You cannot work up to 40 hours per week during regular academic sessions. It is not allowed anywhere in Canada.
Maximum working hours in Canada for international students
According to Canadian immigration regulations, international students with a valid study permit can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays.
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This means they can work more than 20 hours per week during these breaks, including up to 40 hours per week.
If you are not on break, you can only work for 20 hours per week but once there is a break, during winter or summer holidays, you can work full-time.
Exceptional circumstances – Conditions where international students can work more than 20 hours per week.
There are some exceptions where international students are allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic sessions.
These exceptions include:
- If you are on co-op or internship programs that are approved by your educational institution and included in the curriculum.
- If you are in programs that require work as part of the degree requirements.
- If you are a student with a valid off-campus work permit and are in your last semester, you can be allowed under certain conditions, to work full-time until your study program ends.
You must comply with work rules for international students
If you want to avoid having any issues with immigration authorities in Canada, you must comply with the regulations regarding work hours.
Working more than the permitted hours without authorization comes with serious consequences – your study permit could be revoked or you will be asked to leave the country.
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To stay on the right side of the law, once you obtain your study permit, you should always check and adhere to the terms specified in your permit.
Despite the limitations on working hours, there are various job opportunities for you to gain valuable work experience and supplement your income in Canada.
If you are working part-time, you must find ways to balance your academics and work.
Do not forget that your primary aim of coming to Canada is to study, you must not allow your work to affect your academic performance.
Tips to help you balance work and studies
Managing work alongside your studies will certainly be challenging but if you plan your schedule well, you can cope.
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Below are some tips for any international student who wants to balance work and studies effectively:
- You need to prioritize your academic commitments and schedule work hours accordingly.
- To avoid issues with your employer, communicate with the person (your employer) about your availability and academic schedule.
- You can use productivity tools and techniques to manage your time efficiently.
- Do not forget to take breaks and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.
- If you need any help, speak up, and do not do it all alone when you have help around you.
Final words
As an international student in Canada, you are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time (over 40 hours per week) during scheduled breaks.
However, there are exceptions – for some programs and circumstances (like during the internship program), you can be allowed to work more than 20 hours.
While in Canada, you must understand and comply with all your visa regulations – disobeying your visa terms has serious consequences.
Be law-abiding.
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While you work, make sure you don’t skip your studies – maintain a good balance between work and studies.
Do not work when you should be studying and vice versa.
