Maximum working hours in Canada for international students

As a student, I was pleased that Canada, like many other countries, allows international students to work while studying.

Working helped me make some extra money and gain Canadian work experience, which was very helpful after graduation.

Many students also use the work opportunity to build valuable networks which to me, is great.

However, there are rules about how many hours you can work as an international student in Canada.

And, you must follow these rules to avoid any trouble.

The maximum working hours in Canada for international students were set to ensure that students focus more on their studies (which is their primary aim of being in the country) instead of work.

Below is the hour and other rules surrounding it.

What is the maximum working hours in Canada for international students?

The maximum working hours in Canada for international students is 20 hours per week. As an international student, you’re only allowed to work a total of 20 hours per week during the academic season and full-time during break periods like winter or summer.

This has been and is still the rule for students with valid study permits, however, Canadian Immigration Minister, Mark Miller announced recently, that the maximum working hours will be increased by an additional 4 hours starting from September 2024.

So, from September 2024, the maximum working hours in Canada for international students will be 24 hours during the academic session, not 20 hours anymore.

The increase was done to address the labour shortage in the country but, it’ll stay.

In the same fate, students will still be allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks like winter and summer.

The target is to help students gain more work experience, address labour challenges and to allow students earn more money from working more hours.

Until this new rule takes effect (in September 2024), you must maintain the 20 hours working rule, it is still in play until September 2024.

If you’re currently working as a student, keep to the 20 hours per week work time until the date for the change.

During my program, the 20 hours were just enough to combine work and studies.

I remember juggling my classes, assignments, and a part-time job at a local café.

As we were always told, you must not allow work to disrupt your studies.

Balancing everything was challenging for me, but sticking to the 20-hour rule was non-negotiable.

While working, ensure you give more time to your studies.

In addition, do not work more than the allowed hours (whether it is on the 20-hour policy or 24-hour policy).

What happens if an international student works more than 20 hours in Canada?

If you work more than 20 hours per week in Canada as an international student, you’ve violated your student visa terms and therefore, your study permit will be cancelled and you’ll lose your student status, and be asked to leave the country or be deported and banned from re-entering Canada in the future.

The 20-hour per week work limit (during the academic term) is quite strict. There is no mercy when you’re caught exceeding the allowed hours.

As a student, I initially thought I could push this limit a little during busy times, but I soon learned that adhering to this rule is more important than anything else.

If you want to be on the right side of the law and remain a good friend of Canada, plan your work schedule carefully to ensure you don’t exceed the work hour limit.

Penalty for working more than 20 hours in Canada

You’ll face the following if you work more than 20 hours in Canada.

1. Cancellation of your student visa

When you’re caught working more than 20 hours, your student visa will be cancelled. This means you will lose the legal right to stay in Canada as a student.

2. Loss of student status

Upon cancelling your study permit, you’ll lose your student status.

This means you’re no longer recognized as a student in Canada (be out of status) – and it also means you can’t continue your studies again.

3. Be asked to leave the country

If you lose your student status or your visa is cancelled, you’ll be asked to leave the country.

Immigration authorities will issue a removal order, requiring you to return to your home country.

4. Deportation

If you fail to leave Canada after receiving a removal order from the immigration authorities, you’ll be forced out of the country – that is; be deported back to your home country.

5. Ineligible for future visas

For violating the work-hour limit, you’ll be banned from applying for or getting future visas to enter Canada.

The ban can be for a period of 5 or 10 years. In a worst-case scenario, you’ll be banned permanently.

Why these penalties are enforced

Canada does not have these penalties just to punish students, not at all. The country enforces these penalties to ensure that international students prioritize their studies while in the country.

The limit on your work hours is designed to balance work and study – it helps to prevent students from overworking or neglecting their academic responsibilities.

Working full-time during scheduled breaks

Outside the limited hours during the academic season, you can work full-time during scheduled breaks, like winter and summer holidays.

When my first summer break arrived, I didn’t want to joke with it so, I took full advantage of this rule.

I increased my working hours and took on additional shifts at my job, which helped my finances.

On-campus vs. off-campus work for international students in Canada

There is a slight difference between these two work options.

International students can work on campus without presenting a work permit.

Before my off-campus work, I worked a part-time job at the university library which was great for me.

For off-campus work, your study permit must clearly state that you are allowed to work off-campus before you do so.

This is something you need to verify as soon as you receive your study permit.

With the off-campus work option, you’ll have more job opportunities and options to take.

Whether you work on campus or off campus, ensure you follow the rule – do not work more than 20 hours per week.

What if I accidentally worked more than 20 hours in Canada?

If you accidentally worked more than 20 hours in Canada, ensure it doesn’t repeat itself by adjusting your work hours and being more careful. In addition, report to your employer to reduce your work hours, it’s better to work only 18 or 19 hours than to work more than 20 hours.

Can I work 24 hours on a student visa in Canada?

Yes, you can work 24 hours on a student visa in Canada, however, you must wait till September 2024 when the 24-hour work limit as announced by the Canadian Immigration Minister will take effect. For now, you can’t work 24 hours.

Is Canada considering a 30-hour work policy for international students?

Yes, Canada is considering a 30-hour work policy for international students. Upon making the 24-hour policy public, the IRCC have started working on implementing a 30-hour work policy which will see international students work 30 hours per week during academic season and full-time during scheduled breaks.

However, this policy will only come after the 24-hour policy (which is starting in September 2024) has taken effect.

As of now, the current limit remains at 20 hours per week during the academic term.

Can I work more than 40 hours a week in Canada?

Yes, you can work more than 40 hours per week, however, it can only happen during scheduled breaks like winter or summer.

Outside these break periods, you cannot work more than 40 hours per week in Canada.

Looking for a job in Canada as an international student

Getting a part-time job in Canada isn’t all that easy but it’s not impossible.

During my time, I started my search by visiting the career services office at my university.

They offered resources like resume workshops, job postings, and networking events.

I also networked and it played a crucial role in securing my first job.

To make it easy for yourself, connect with other international students by joining student organizations.

It helped me learn about job openings and get recommendations, I hope it will help you.

Final thoughts

The current maximum working hours for international students in Canada is 20 hours per week, however, this will change in September 2024.

The new policy will allow students to work 24 hours per week.

But, whether you work under the 24-hour policy or the current 20-hour policy, ensure you stick to the rule – do not work more than the allowed hours.

The consequences are brutal and there is no mercy. If you violate the rule, you’ll face the law.

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