Can international students in Canada work while studying?
In many cases, yes. Federal regulations allow eligible international students in Canada to work off-campus — or on-campus — without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific conditions. This is a federal rule that applies equally to students studying at Ontario colleges and universities.
To work off-campus without a permit, you generally must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI), hold a valid study permit that includes the relevant authorization (many recent permits include a condition permitting off-campus work), and your program must be at least six months long leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
There are limits on weekly hours during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks, eligible students may work full-time. These hours limits are set in federal regulations and have been adjusted in recent years — verify current limits on the IRCC website.
Working more hours than permitted, or working when you are not otherwise eligible, violates your study permit conditions and can affect your immigration record. If you are unsure whether your permit authorizes work, check the conditions printed on your permit or consult a lawyer.
Key takeaways
- Eligible international students can work off-campus without a separate work permit.
- Your study permit must include the authorization and your enrollment must be full-time at a DLI.
- Hour limits apply during academic sessions; verify current limits on the IRCC website.
- Exceeding permitted hours is a permit conditions violation.