Are you planning on studying and working in Canada as an international student? You may be asking “how many hours can a student work in Canada?” If so, it’s vital to plan ahead and understand working hours for students in Canada–more specifically, exactly when and how long you can work each week. Keep reading as we explore all you need to know about working hours in Canada for international students.
Working Hours in Canada for International Students
Historically, international students with a study permit in Canada were restricted to working 20 hours per week while taking classes. However, the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) temporarily lifted those restrictions, so students could work full-time hours until spring 2024. In April 2024, off-campus working hours returned to 20 hours per week while class was in session.
Note: As of November 8, 2024, eligible international students may work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while class is in session. They may still work full-time hours during scheduled breaks like the Christmas holidays or summer semester (if not taking classes). Students working on-campus continue to be able to work as many hours as they like, provided they continue to meet the government’s eligibility requirements.
Working Hours Eligibility
Want to know if you can work as an international student in Canada? You’re usually considered eligible if you:
- Have begun your studies at a DLI (designated learning institution)
- Are a full-time student (or a former full-time student in your final semester of part-time study)
- Are enrolled in a post-secondary program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Have off-campus work authorization on your study permit
- Have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Read our blog for more information on Canada’s temporary lifting of international students’ work-hour restrictions.
Finding a Job
Let’s face it: studying as an international student can get expensive. Finding a job can help cover your tuition and living expenses, especially when you can choose the number of hours you need to work! Some great part-time jobs that you can find on-campus include:
- Teacher’s assistant (TA)
- Academic advisor
- Student tutor
- Library assistant
- On-campus barista
- Lab assistant
Want more options? Popular off-campus part-time jobs include:
- Server or bartender
- Rideshare driver
- Nanny
- Retail salesperson
- Dog walker
- Freelancer
Learn more about these part-time positions and their pay rates.
Don’t Overwork Yourself!
While you might want to take on as many hours as you can, it’s best to maintain a balance. Having extra cash on hand as an international student can be great, but not at the expense of your studies or health.
At the end of the day, your study permit is valid under academic circumstances, so it’s important to prioritize your schooling. Think of it this way—your education is an investment. You will likely work after finishing your studies, so focusing on your program now can help ensure you’ll be able to focus on your career later!
Tip: Every student and every part-time job is different, so it’s best to start slow to see how many hours work best for you.
Maintaining a work-life balance while studying abroad is important. Here are some ways to practice mindfulness as a student.
Know Your Options
Want to take advantage of Canada’s working hours for students? Take some time to know your options, both at your academic institution and workplace.
For instance, at your workplace, find out if you can:
- Take reduced hours
- Take leaves of absence
- Work from home or online
At your academic institution, find out if you’re able to:
- Register for night or weekend courses
- Attend online classes
- Attend study halls
Understanding your options can help you make the best of your academic journey while working part-time.
Tip: Juggling school and work can be difficult. It can be helpful to tell your employer that you’re a student, and to set expectations at your workplace.
Plan Ahead
Before you start working alongside your studies, it’s important to plan ahead. Maintain a work-life balance by following these tips:
- Dedicate a set amount of time to your studies and to your part-time job. While planning, think about your lifestyle, personality, and workload for both your studies and job.
- Keep a daily planner or calendar. Make note of important academic dates and job obligations to plan out your days in advance.
- Use your time effectively. When balancing your studies and a part-time job, prioritize what you need to do by being mindful of your time and how you choose to spend it.
- Prioritize your health. It’s important to recognize signs of burnout and take care of your physical and mental health.
Looking for some time management strategies? You’re in luck: See our blog for some of our favourite time management hacks!
Now that you’ve learned more about studying and working hours in Canada for international students, you can use this information to make an informed choice about your work options when studying abroad.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Have more questions about working and studying in Canada? Register for your free ApplyBoard account. We’re here to help!
