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Working While Studying in Canada: A Complete Guide for International Students

ICC Immigration Inc > Blogs > Announcement > Working While Studying in Canada: A Complete Guide for International Students

Canada has become one of the top destinations for international students because it combines high-quality education with strong opportunities to gain work experience. Understanding work while studying in Canada rules is essential to stay compliant with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and to protect your future immigration options. This guide explains your rights and responsibilities and shows how ICC Immigration can help you plan for long-term success.

Work On Campus – Unlimited Opportunities

If you hold a valid Canada study permit and meet IRCC requirements, you can work unlimited hours on campus without a separate work permit. This includes jobs at your university or college, student organizations, and even running your own small business based on campus premises.

To qualify, you must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI), such as a public college, university, or approved private school. If you are in your final semester and studying part-time only to complete your program, you may still be eligible to work on campus without limits.

Key point: you must stop working if your study permit expires, you take an authorized leave, or you switch schools without resuming full-time study.

Work Off Campus – Up to 24 Hours per Week

International students who qualify can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular school terms and unlimited hours during official breaks such as summer, winter, or reading week. You can also combine multiple jobs to reach the 24-hour limit.

To be eligible you must:

  • Be enrolled full-time at a DLI in a program of at least six months;

  • Have already started your studies;

  • Be in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

If you exceed your allowed hours or work when you’re not eligible, you risk losing your student status, future work permits, or even removal from Canada.

Remote Work for Foreign Employers

IRCC allows students to work remotely for employers located outside Canada. This type of work does not count toward the 24-hour off-campus limit because you are not entering the Canadian labour market. Examples include freelance digital work or online tutoring for clients abroad.

Internships and Co-op Placements

If your program includes a mandatory internship or co-op placement, you need to apply for a co-op work permit. You’ll need a valid study permit and a letter from your school confirming the placement is required. Co-op placements cannot exceed 50% of your program’s total duration.

Authorized Leave Rules

If you take an authorized leave (up to 150 days) due to illness, pregnancy, family emergency, or a strike at your school, you must stop all work on and off campus until you resume your studies.

Why Compliance Is Crucial

Breaking any condition of your study permit can lead to:

  • Loss of student status;

  • Refusal of future work or study permits;

  • Deportation from Canada.

Always check the conditions listed on your study permit and keep records of your work hours.

How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada

Choosing the right immigration pathway after your studies is just as important as staying compliant while studying. ICC Immigration specializes in helping international students and professionals create a clear roadmap to Permanent Residency in Canada.

Here’s how ICC Immigration supports your success:

  • Permanent Residency Applications: Whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other immigration streams, our team ensures your application is complete, accurate, and positioned for fast processing.

  • Work and Study Permits: We guide you through temporary options to build Canadian experience, increasing your eligibility for PR.

  • Family Sponsorships: We help reunite families under Canada’s immigration programs while ensuring compliance with all rules.

  • Expert Legal Advice: Our licensed immigration experts interpret complex policies and prevent costly mistakes that could delay your future in Canada.

Instead of relying on the uncertainty of asylum claims, ICC Immigration helps you choose stable, government-approved pathways to permanent residency. Whether you’re already studying in Canada or still planning your move, we can provide personalized guidance to secure your future in Canada.

Top Tips for International Students

  • Apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you are eligible.

  • Wait until your program begins before starting any job.

  • Check your study permit conditions regularly and update IRCC if your circumstances change.

  • Track your hours carefully if working off campus.

  • Seek professional advice early to plan your transition from student status to permanent resident status.

Conclusion

Working while studying in Canada can give you valuable experience, boost your income, and strengthen your immigration profile—but only if you follow the rules. By understanding the limits on on-campus work, off-campus work, and remote work, you protect your student status and future immigration options.

When you’re ready to transition from student to permanent resident, ICC Immigration is your trusted partner for navigating Express Entry, work permits, and family sponsorships. With expert guidance, you can take control of your future and build a stable, secure life in Canada.