Just like you have in many countries, Canada allows international students to work.
However, their work hours are limited and, this is done to protect the interest of the students.
Working limited hours ensures that students have enough time for their studies – which is their main reason for coming to Canada.
If you’re curious about whether you can work more than 40 hours in Canada, here are the rules:
Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?
International students are allowed to work more than 40 hours per week in Canada, but only during scheduled academic breaks or holidays, like the summer or winter breaks.
During these times, you can work full-time without restrictions.
However, during regular academic sessions, the rules change, and you’ll return to only 20 hours per week.
This is to make sure that, as a student, your studies remain your top priority and not work.
Read also: My Canadian student visa expired what should I do?
While working part-time, you must follow the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regulations.
IRCC new rules for international students working hours
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Mark Miller, recently announced a change to the number of hours international students are allowed to work in the country.
- During school time: Starting from September 2024, international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week (off-campus) during the academic session.
This is an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours, which was temporarily lifted to address labour shortages (Canada.ca)​​ (CityNews Toronto).
- During holidays and breaks: In addition, students (in Canada) can continue to work full-time during breaks, like summer vacations or winter holidays​ (Global News).
That means more than 24 hours a week.
The new 24-hour limit aims to:
- Help students gain more work experience in Canada.
- Allow students to earn money to support themselves while keeping their studies as the main focus.
- Address the labour shortage in the country.
Read also: What happens if my Australian student visa expires?
These changes are part of IRCC’s efforts to ensure that the International Student Program remains effective and that students find a healthy balance between work and their studies.
Is Canada considering a 30-hour work policy for international students?
Yes, the IRCC is exploring the possibility of increasing the work-hour limit for international students to 30 hours per week.
However, this change won’t take effect immediately, as the new 24-hour-per-week policy was only recently introduced.
After announcing the 24-hour per week increment, the immigration minister hinted at the possibility of 30 hours per week.
This is a positive sign, and we might see a new policy (which will allow students to work 30 hours per week) announced later.
Read also: How to prepare for a UK student visa interview
However, there’s no official timeline for this change.
Which students can work 40 hours in Canada?
Both international and domestic students can work up to 40 hours per week during official breaks like summer or winter holidays.
However, while there’s no rule preventing you from working more than 40 hours, be mindful that working such long hours can be exhausting.
In Canada, most full-time jobs operate from Monday to Friday, starting from 8:00 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. and finishing by 5:00 p.m.
Read also: Which province is best for international students in Canada?
This adds up to about 37.5 to 40 hours a week – that’s around 7.5 to 8 hours each day.
Working more than 40 hours is not against any rule but it will be exhausting for a student.
While you’re allowed to work full-time during breaks, ensure you maintain a good work-life balance to avoid breakdown.
Take breaks, get enough sleep, and do things you enjoy outside of work.
Employers also understand this balance and they often encourage employees (students included) to take care of themselves.
Can you work more than the allowed hours in Canada?
No, you can’t work more than the allowed hours in Canada. If you do, you’ll violate the conditions of your study permit.
And, your permit can be revoked, and you’ll be asked to leave the country.
Additionally, you can be banned, which will affect your ability to apply for future visas.
To avoid these issues, ensure you follow the terms of your study permit and stick to the allowed limits during academic terms.
Read also: Interview questions and answers for a UK student visa
If you want to work more, wait till authorized times like scheduled breaks or after completing your studies, when you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
FAQs
How many hours can a student work on campus in Canada?
Regardless of whether you work on-campus or off-campus, you’re only allowed to work 24 hours per week during academic sessions – from September 2024
It doesn’t matter where you work, off-campus or on-campus, the rule is the same.
Maximum working hours in Canada for international students
The new maximum working hours in Canada for international students is 24 hours per week. This new rule took effect in September 2024.
Can students work more than 40 hours in summer break in Canada?
Yes, international students can work more than 40 hours in the summer in Canada, however, working 40 hours will be a lot even for a student on summer break.
Can international students work full-time in Canada?
International students can work full-time only during scheduled breaks like summer or winter.
Except for these periods (during breaks), no student is allowed to work full-time.
Can international students work in Canada after their studies?
Yes, international students can work in Canada after they graduate by applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
Canada offers a post-graduation Work option (PGWP) which allows students to work after their studies.
Read also: What should I do if my Canada student visa is rejected?
The PGWP is usually issued for a duration equivalent to the length of your program, up to a maximum of three years.
The downside to PGWP is that; not every program qualifies for it.
How much can a student earn in Canada per month?
Your earning per month as a student in Canada depends on the type of job you do, where you work, what you’re paid per hour and how many hours you put in.
On average, students working part-time jobs make between $800 to $1,000 per month.
Are there exceptions when a student can work more than 20 hours during academic terms?
Yes, if you’re in co-op programs in Canada, things work differently. You can be allowed to work full-time as part of your studies.
These programs, like cooperative education, have special rules for work hours.
While it is legally allowed, working 40 hours a week as a student will be exhausting, especially if you have other commitments.
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