Great news for international students: you may have the opportunity to work in Canada while studying on a student visa.
If your study permit allows you to work, you can start working in Canada as soon as your studies begin, even without a separate work permit.
As an international student, you can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic terms and semesters, either on-campus or off-campus.
And even more hours under certain conditions.
However, your study permit could be put at risk if you work without authorization.
This could lead to your permit being canceled and you leaving the country.
Let's explore how to work and study in Canada for 20 hours or more.
What are the current rules for working on a student visa in Canada?
There are two ways of working while studying in Canada; although you can only begin working in Canada once your study program has officially started, working before your studies start is not permitted.
On-Campus Work:
As an international student, you are allowed to work on-campus without a work permit under certain conditions, which must be outlined in your study permit.
You may work on-campus if you are a full-time post-secondary student at one of the following institutions:
- A public post-secondary school (college, university, trade, or technical school) or CEGEP in Quebec.
- A private post-secondary school in Quebec that follows the same regulations as public schools.
- A private or public secondary or post-secondary institution in Quebec offering programs of 900 hours or longer leading to a diploma of vocational studies (DVS) or an attestation of vocational specialization (AVS).
- A Canadian private school that can legally grant degrees under provincial law, provided you are enrolled in a degree program authorized by the province.
And you have:
- A valid study permit or maintained status.
- Printed conditions on your initial study permit allowing you to work on campus.
- A Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Part-Time Course Load in Final Semester
Off-Campus Work
Before you start working off-campus, ensure that you and your employer confirm your eligibility to do so without a work permit.
To work off-campus without a work permit, you must meet these requirements:
- You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- You are enrolled in either a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (specific to Quebec).
And your study program:
- Lasts at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You have started your studies.
- You possess a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
You cannot work off-campus without a work permit if:
- Your study permit specifies that you are not authorized to work off-campus.
- You are only enrolled in ESL/FSL programs.
- You are taking general interest courses.
- You are only completing prerequisite courses for a full-time program.
- Your situation changes, and you no longer meet the requirements for off-campus work.
If any of these apply to you and you wish to work while studying in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit.
Exceptions to the 20-hour work limit
International students can work on-campus and off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
You may be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week in specific situations, with the opportunity of full-time.
There's no set limit on the hours you can work, but rules about overtime and rest time apply.
If your program does not meet these conditions, you can only work up to 20 hours per week.
Co-op and internship programs
A co-op placement or program integrates practical work experience with your academic studies, allowing you to work both on-campus and off-campus as part of your curriculum.
If you are part of a co-op program at a college or university, you can apply for a co-op work permit if you meet the following criteria:
- You possess a valid study permit.
- The work experience is an essential component of your study program in Canada.
- You have a letter from your designated learning institution confirming that all students in your program are required to complete work placements to obtain their degree.
- Your co-op or internship constitutes 50% or less of your total program of study.
An internship is another option.
As an intern, you receive hands-on training while being supervised by someone in the workplace. This helps you gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a trade or profession.
Designated holidays and breaks
During scheduled breaks designated by your DLI, such as winter and summer holidays or reading weeks, you are allowed to work an unlimited number of hours.
While working during a scheduled break, you also have the flexibility to:
- Enroll in courses on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Work overtime or hold two part-time jobs simultaneously.
These activities will not impact your ability to work unlimited hours during your break.
To be eligible to work full-time during a scheduled break, you must maintain your status as a full-time student both before and after the break.
Consequences of exceeding work hours on a student visa
Working more than 20 hours per week violates your study permit conditions, which may have serious consequences for your status as an international student in Canada.
Visa violations and potential penalties
One of the most immediate consequences of working more than the allowed hours is the potential revocation of your visa.
In some cases, exceeding work hours can be considered a legal violation, potentially leading to deportation. This is particularly serious and can have lasting effects on your immigration record.
Impact on future immigration status
Working more hours than allowed could make it harder to get new visas later.
Breaking the visa rules might cause issues when you apply for extensions or new permits.
Immigration authorities might see it as a breach of trust, making it tougher to get benefits in the future.
How to legally increase your work hours as an international student
As an international student in Canada, there are specific ways to legally increase your work hours while adhering to the conditions of your study permit.
Applying for a work permit
If you want to work beyond the limits of your study permit, you can apply for a work permit.
Before applying for a work permit, make sure you qualify. This usually means you need to have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a program that requires work experience, like a co-op program.
Exploring other visa options
Consider exploring other visa options in Canada for more work flexibility, in addition to applying for a work permit:
- After you finish your studies, you might qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). With a PGWP, you can work full-time in Canada for up to three years, depending on how long your study program was.
- If you get a job offer from a Canadian employer, they may be able to help you get a work visa. They will need to show that they couldn't find a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to fill the job.
Conclusions
Working more than 20 hours per week on a student visa in Canada is possible.
However, it's important to follow the allowed working hours. Going beyond these limits could put your immigration status at risk and cause legal problems.
Check the requirements for on and off-campus work, including the 20-hour limit and extra hours during holidays or breaks to understand your situation fully.
At Parsam Immigration, we specialize in helping international students navigate the complexities of studying and working in Canada. From student visa applications to guidance on work permits, we’ve got you covered
Book your consultation now and get started.
