International students in Canada will be able to work off-campus up to 24 hours a week starting this autumn, up from the existing cap of 20 hours.
In April, Immigration Minister Marc Miller released an update with the goal of “finding the right balance so students can work without compromising their academic performance.”
Although the precise date of this new rule’s implementation is still unknown, it is anticipated to happen later this month. International students may work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week while they are enrolled in classes until that time.
Students are not limited to a set amount of hours during scheduled vacations, such as summer or winter holidays. Off-campus employment refers to jobs held outside of educational institutions, like contract work for businesses like DoorDash or Uber.
If these regulations are broken, there may be repercussions, such as losing your position as a student, having trouble getting employment or study permits in the future, and maybe even having to leave the country.
Until the new hourly cap is officially announced, the current limit of 20 hours per week for off-campus work remains in effect.
Here are the typical work conditions for international students:
- On-campus work: Unlimited hours.
- Off-campus work while classes are in session: Currently, the limit is 20 hours per week. Starting this fall, the limit will increase to 24 hours per week.
- Off-campus work during school breaks: Unlimited hours.
- Remote work for an employer outside Canada: Unlimited hours.
Who Can Work as an International Student in Canada?
International students in Canada are generally restricted to on-campus work unless their study permit specifically allows off-campus employment. To work off-campus without a separate work permit, students must meet the following conditions:
- Valid study permit: The student must have a current and valid study permit.
- Full-time enrollment: The student must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Academic standing: The student must have started their studies and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Program eligibility: The program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Social Insurance Number: The student must have a valid SIN.
Additional eligibility requirements:
- Full-time enrollment before and after breaks: Students cannot work full-time during breaks unless they were full-time students both before and after the break.
- Part-time students: Part-time students can work off-campus only in their final semester if they need a reduced course load to complete their studies and were previously full-time students.
Ineligible students:
- Language programs: Students enrolled solely in English or French language programs are not eligible.
- General interest courses: Students taking general interest courses are not eligible.
- Preparatory courses: Students enrolled in preparatory courses for a full-time program are not eligible.
- Non-compliant students: Students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for off-campus work are not eligible.
How International Students Can Find On-Campus Jobs in Canada
International students in Canada can enhance their experience and offset living costs by working part-time. They have the flexibility to work both on and off campus, subject to certain conditions. On-campus work has no hourly restrictions, allowing students to work as much as they need.
On-campus jobs can involve working directly for the university, faculty members, student groups, or even running their own businesses on campus. While students are typically expected to work at their primary campus, exceptions may apply for research positions, teaching assistantships, or grant-related work. They can also work remotely for international employers without affecting their off-campus work hour limit.
Understanding Earning Potential for International Students in Canada
For those seeking part-time employment, the minimum wage differs by province:
- Alberta: $15.00, effective June 26, 2019.
- British Columbia: $17.40, effective June 1, 2024.
- Manitoba: $15.30, effective October 1, 2023.
- New Brunswick: $15.30, effective April 1, 2024.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: $15.60, effective April 1, 2024.
- Northwest Territories: $16.05, effective September 1, 2023.
- Nova Scotia: $15.20, effective April 1, 2024.
- Nunavut: $19.00, effective January 1, 2024.
- Ontario: $16.55, effective October 1, 2023; $17.20, effective October 1, 2024.
- Prince Edward Island: $15.40, effective April 1, 2024; $16.00, effective October 1, 2024.
- Quebec: $15.75, effective May 1, 2024.
- Saskatchewan: $14.00, effective October 1, 2023; $15.00, effective October 1, 2024.
- Yukon: $17.59, effective April 1, 2024.
Higher-paying jobs in administration, education, or translation should be taken into consideration by international students looking to optimize their earnings through part-time work.
Study permission holders may be subject to certain job restrictions, which will be detailed on the permit.
Students are required to file income tax returns the following year, as they are residents of Canada for tax reasons.
Recent Changes to Working Hours Caps for International Students in Canada
In the past, during ordinary school terms, foreign students in Canada have been allowed to work up to 20 hours per week. However, in order to solve the labor shortage and give students more earning opportunities, the government implemented a temporary policy during the epidemic that allowed students to work up to 40 hours per week.
On April 30, 2024, this interim policy came to an end. In order “to ensure system integrity and protect students from fraud and financial vulnerability,” the IRCC declared that it would not be extended.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the goal of these changes is to guarantee that students place a high priority on their studies. The primary reason people should come to Canada as students is to study, not to work. We are going to keep our student program’s integrity intact.