Can I work 24 hours as a student in Canada
Temporary public policy update
Under a newly announced policy by Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Sean Fraser, international students in Canada will be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.
The temporary policy will go into effect on November 15, 2022, and end on December 31, 2023.
With Canada’s ongoing labour shortage, employers are rushing to fill roles, complete orders, and keep stores open for extended hours. The government believes that letting international students in Canada work to their full potential can assist businesses, which would lift the Canadian economy.
The new rule applies to international students currently in Canada and to students who have submitted a study permit application as of 7 October 2022 (provided that their application is approved).
The Canadian government has stated that more than 500,000 international students in Canada will be able to work additional hours under the new lifted working cap.
Unless students are able to maintain academic progress whilst working off-campus, they will not be allowed to work. Course loads cannot be decreased or changed to part-time, as this defeats the purpose of being employed while also attending school.
The short answer to “can I work 24 hours as a student in Canada?” is no.
Working more than 20 hours per week as a student in Canada on a study permit is considered excessive and can lead to problems with your studies.
However, there are some exceptions that may allow you to work more hours. In this article, we will explore the rules around working as a student in Canada and what you need to do to stay within the legal limits.
Table of contents
How many hours a week can an international student work?
As a full-time student in Canada, you are allowed to work from your very first school semester for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Working more than this can interfere with your studies and lead to problems. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as working during holidays or summer breaks.
How many hours a week can a self-employed student work
If you’re a self-employed person, you’re also responsible for keeping track of the hours you work off-campus and proving that you’re complying with the conditions of your study permit by not exceeding the 20 hours per week limit.
Exceptions that may allow you to work more hours
There are some exceptions that may allow you to work more than 20 hours per week. For example, if you are working during a holiday, a summer break or a designated reading week, you may be able to work more than 20 hours. In addition, there are certain jobs that students are allowed to work, such as jobs on campus or work related to their field of study.
On-campus v off campus
As an international full-time student studying in Canada, you can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. They can also work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays. However, it is important to note that students must have a valid study permit in order to work on-campus.
The rules around working off-campus are slightly different. International students can only work off-campus if they have a valid study permit and are enrolled in a full-time program at a designated learning institution. They too can only work up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during a scheduled break.
How working too many hours can impact your studies
Working too many hours can impact your studies in a number of ways. For example, if you are working more than 20 hours per week, you may have less time for homework and studying. In addition, working excessive hours can lead to sleep deprivation, which can impact your ability to focus and pay attention in class and also your student status.
Tips for balancing work and school responsibilities
There are a few things you can do to balance work and school responsibilities. First, try to find a job that is flexible with your schedule. This way, you can work around your class schedule. In addition, try to limit the number of hours you work each week. Finally, make sure to take breaks and get plenty of rest.
Final thoughts
Working as a student in Canada can be a great way to earn some extra money. However, it is important to make sure you stay within the legal limits. Too many hours worked can interfere with your studies and lead to problems. If you are working more than 20 hours per week, try to find a flexible job or limit the number of hours you work.
After graduating, a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) may be issued to international students based on the length of their study program for a minimum of eight months up to three years in total and this is when you can work as many hours as desired.
Canadian Student Visa
How to study in Canada?
Canada is a popular choice of country for international students due to the attractiveness of the country’s high academic standards which reflects the equally high-quality education earned to benefit them in the future.
How to choose an eligible program?
Provinces and territories approve (or “designate”) schools that can enrol international students. These schools are known as designated learning institutions (DLI).
If you need a study permit, your acceptance letter must be from a DLI. If it isn’t, your application will be refused.
All primary and secondary schools in Canada are DLIs. You can search a list of the post-secondary schools, such as colleges and universities, and language schools that have been designated.
Once you have chosen a school, college or university, you must then apply to go there.
Student eligibility
- Have a legal valid travel document (passport)
- Proof of financial support including sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living and return travel expenses (for both you and any family members coming to Canada with you)
- Have no criminal convictions (police certificate(s) might be required)
- Be in good health (a medical examination might be required)
- Acceptance Letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada
A new Study Permit is not required for students changing designated learning institutions at the same level program, but this information must be updated on the student’s MyCIC account.
Your Study Permit may allow you to work on/off campus without the need to obtain a Work Permit simultaneously.
Aspiring students who are legal residents of China, India, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Senegal and Vietnam can apply for a Study Permit through the Student Direct Stream.
How long is a study permit valid for?
The validity of a Student Permit depends on the level of education being applied for:
- Primary schools (grades 1-8) – valid for 1 year and can be renewed in Canada
- Secondary school (grades 9-12), college or university – valid for the same length as the study program, plus 90 days (maximum 4 years)
When is a Study Permit required?
- The program is longer than 6 months in duration
- The program requires a coop or internship
- A minor is accompanying a parent(s) who is in Canada as a visitor
- The person is from a visa-exempt country
When is a Study Permit not required?
- Program of 6 months or less in duration
- Family or staff member of a foreign representative accredited by Global Affairs Canada
- Member of a foreign armed force under the visiting forces act
- Citizen of another country with registered Indian status in Canada
- Minor children attending preschool or kindergarten
- Minor children who are refugees or refugee claimants or whose parents are refugees or refugee claimants
- Minor children in Canada accompanying a parent who is allowed to work or study in Canada, and will attend preschool, primary or secondary school (in Quebec CAQ may be required)
Proof of Funds
| Persons coming to Canada | Amount of funds required per year (doesn’t include tuition) | Amount of funds required per month (additional to the tuition) |
|---|---|---|
| You (the student) | CAN$10,000 | CAN$833 |
| First family member | CAN$4,000 | CAN$333 |
| Every additional accompanying family member | CAN$3,000 | CAN$255 |