Recently, Canada has become a popular destination for international students who are seeking quality education and great cultural experiences.

The country is very popular for being welcoming and the people are friendly, as an international student in Canada, you will always feel at home.

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In addition to being welcoming, Canada also has friendly immigration policies which international students enjoy.

Aside from having the opportunity to work after studies, international students are also allowed to work while studying.

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Yes, in Canada, international students with a valid study permit are allowed to work part-time during their academic sessions.

This includes both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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According to the Canadian government, international students with a valid study permit are allowed to work part-time during their academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays.

If you don’t have a valid study permit or your program doesn’t meet the requirements for work opportunities, you will not be allowed to work.

It is illegal to work in Canada as an international student if you do not meet the working requirements.

Also read: Can international student work full-time in Canada?

What happens if an international student comes to Canada and works illegally

If you come to Canada as an international student and work illegally and get caught, your student visa/study permit will be cancelled and you will be asked to leave the country, if you do not leave as ordered, you will be arrested, deported back to your home and barred from returning to Canada.

If you are an international student in Canada it’s in your best interest that you adhere to the terms of your study permit and work only by the permissions granted by Canadian immigration authorities to avoid legal repercussions.

Consequences of working illegally in Canada as an international student

• Deportation 

Canada like many other countries of the world takes immigration offences seriously, the punishment for immigration crimes is severe and working illegally is no different.

It is a serious offence to work illegally, if you are caught, you will face deportation, and your prospects of returning to Canada could be jeopardized.

• Impact on your immigration status

As an international student in Canada, you will be granted study permits for the sole purpose of education.

Engaging in unauthorized employment will lead to the revocation of your study permit, making you ineligible to continue your studies in the country.

• Financial penalties

Depending on the type of work you did and for how long, if you are caught without proper authorization, you may be fined.

These fines can be significant and add a financial burden to your budget.

• You may be barred

A history of working illegally in Canada can adversely affect your future immigration applications.

Also read: What are the requirements for a study permit in Canada?

Whether you are applying for permanent residency or another type of visa, immigration authorities will view previous infractions negatively.

• Impact on your reputation

If you are caught engaging in illegal work, it can tarnish your reputation, both within the academic community and among potential employers.

Also read: How to avoid Canada student visa refusal

Employers will be hesitant to hire someone with a history of violating immigration laws.

What are the working rules for international students in Canada?

The following are rules for internationals who want to work in Canada.

• Part-time work during school: To work part-time while you’re attending classes as an international student, you must have a valid study permit.
• Full-time work on breaks: During your school breaks (like summer or winter holidays), you’re allowed to work full-time.
• No separate work permit needed: Generally, you don’t need a separate work permit for on or off-campus jobs. Just make sure your study permit is valid.
• Off-campus work authorization: You can work off-campus without a work permit if it’s part of your program and you get a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Co-op and internships: If your program includes co-op or internships, you might need a work permit for those specific work terms.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After finishing your studies, you could get a Post-Graduation Work Permit to work in Canada for a certain period.
• Follow study permit conditions: While in Canada, you must stick to the rules mentioned in your study permit, especially those related to work. Breaking them could lead to problems.
• Language programs and Non-degree courses: If you’re in language programs or non-degree courses, check the specific rules that apply to your situation.
• On-campus jobs: Look for on-campus job opportunities – they usually fit the rules of your study permit.
• Social Insurance Number (SIN): You need to get a Social Insurance Number (SIN), you’ll need it for taxes and employment.

FAQs

How can international students find on-campus employment opportunities?

Most universities in Canada have resources for on-campus employment opportunities.

You can check with your institution’s career services or job placement offices, they will give you a list of available opportunities.

Can international students participate in co-op or internship programs?

Yes, international students can participate in co-op or internship programs, many academic programs in Canada include co-op or internship components.

In such cases, the student will need a work permit specifically for those work terms.

Can international students work off-campus?

Yes, as an international student, you can work off-campus without a separate work permit if you meet the eligibility criteria.

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The work must be part of a program of study, and you need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Are there restrictions on the type of work international students can do?

Yes, there are restrictions on the type of work an international student can do in Canada.

Even though you can work in Canada as an international student, you must make sure that the work is not in a category prohibited by the authorities and that you comply with any additional conditions specified in your study permit.

Can international students work in Canada?

Yes, international students with a valid study permit in Canada are allowed to work part-time during their academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks.

Conclusion

If you are an international student in Canada, avoid the temptation of working if you are not eligible to work, the consequences far outweigh the benefits.

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If you are allowed to work, make sure you work as specified in your student visa.

Do not under any circumstance violate your visa regulation.

Canada takes immigration offense seriously and you won’t be spared when you are caught.