How to work in Canada on a study permit


Last Updated On : May 09 , 2023


Studying abroad is expensive, and many students struggle to make ends meet. The good news is that international students in Canada can work on a study permit, which allows them to earn money while they study. In this blog post, we will delve into how to work in Canada on a study permit while maintaining your academic workload and succeeding in your studies. Unlock your earning potential in Canada as an international student. Discover the different types of work opportunities available to you.

  • Work On Campus
  • Work Off Campus
  • Work as a co-op student or intern

Work On-campus as an international student

While working on campus as an international student, kindly ensures the following:
You can continue your Campus work until your studies still need to be completed.
Ensure your study permit should stay active while working.
It would be best to stop working on authorized leaves from your current studies.
Hold your work while switching your school. In case of changing your school, ensure you are getting enrolled on a Designated Learning Institute.

Work Off-campus as an international student

Before you begin OFF campus work, you and your employer must confirm that you can do so without a work permit, you might have to leave Canada if you start working off campus, but you must match the standards.
A work permit is needed for working in Canada but if you want to work as an international student without work permit, you must meet the following requirements:
Enrol in a full-time study course in a Designated Learning Institute.
After completing your study program, you must receive a degree, diploma or specific certificate.
Your course session should start before you start your off-campus work.
You should have a Social Insurance Number.

Work as a co-op student or intern

Work experience is a component of specific study programs' curricula. If you satisfy all the requirements below, apply for a co-op or intern work permit.

You possess current study permission.
You must work to finish your academic program in Canada.
You have a document from your school stating that work placements are necessary for all students in your program to get a degree.
Your study program's co-op placement or internship must be at most 50% of the total.

Working hours updates in Canada for International students

As an international student, you must have some questions about your earnings in Canada while studying and after completing your course. The Canadian government provides part-time paid and unpaid internships for international students. Many students need clarification on how many hours they can work off campus. There are different criteria for students :
During their regular semester, international students can work 20 hours/ Week.
International students holding a study permit and currently studying at a Designated Learning Institute Canada for a full-time course can work more than 20 hours/week.

Canada Part Time working hours Calculation for students

The time you spend working towards a wage or accumulating a commission is counted as one of your hours.
For applying to any immigration program, skilled workers have different working hour requirements.

Federal Skilled Worker Program – at least 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week)
Canadian Experience Class – Total Time 30 hours/week for 12 months Part-time: Either 15 hours/week for 24 months or 30 hours/week for 12 months
Federal Skilled Trade Program - Having a total of 3,120 hours, you can apply for Federal Skilled Trade program.

Canada Part Time working hours Calculation for self-employed students

Working under a company to complete your part-time working hours is not mandatory. You can do some freelancing work on a commission basis or run your own business.
Any time you spend on any of the following is counted as your working hour:
The time when you are earning wages.
Receiving compensation for providing a service or selling a good.
Getting paid a commission for delivering a service or selling something.

Note: The new working hour rule will be active From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023. If your study program doesn't provide scheduled breaks, Your ability to obtain a study visa in Canada may be hampered if you work more than 20 hours per week.


FAQ

Yes, scheduled breaks (winter or summer holidays) are the perfect time for students who want to work overtime or work two part-time jobs to increase their working hours.

There are two ways you can work in Canada after completing your studies:
(i) work in Canada with a Canadian work permit.
(ii) Extend your study permit by enrolling in a new program. .

No, it would not be counted as 20 hours per week off-campus work limit. Also, you can work remotely for an employer matching the required study permit conditions.

Yes, it would be best if you were a full-time student at any Designated Learning Institute in Canada, and your college/university session should be started. You should have a Social Insurance Number as well.

By this SIN number, you can get benefits from the Canadian government, which are provided to Canadian citizens, permanent residents or temporary resident employees.

Reference:
Work off campus as an international student