International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, full time during scheduled breaks, and unlimited hours on campus, as long as their study permit allows work and they’re enrolled full time at an eligible institution. You’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you start, and part-time earnings can help with living costs but can’t count towards your proof of funds.
- Off-campus work: Up to 24 hours a week during term, and full time during scheduled breaks
- On-campus work: No weekly hour limit, as long as you meet the eligibility conditions
- Minimum wage: From CAD 15.00 an hour in Alberta to CAD 18.25 in British Columbia (October 2026)
- Before you start: You need a study permit that allows work and a Social Insurance Number
What’s Changed
- 24-hour limit: The off-campus limit rose from 20 to 24 hours a week on 8th November 2024, replacing the temporary policy that allowed unlimited hours
- Co-op work permits removed: Since 1st April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate permit for co-op placements or internships required by their programme
Can International Students Work in Canada?
Yes. Most international students at colleges and universities can work without a separate work permit. To work off campus, you must:
- Hold a valid study permit: With a condition that says you can work off campus
- Study full time: At a post-secondary Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Be on an eligible programme: At least six months long and leading to a degree, diploma or certificate
- Have started your studies: You can’t work before your programme begins
- Have a Social Insurance Number: Employers need it to pay you
How Many Hours Can You Work While Studying?
| Situation |
Hours Allowed |
| Off campus during term |
Up to 24 hours a week, across all jobs combined |
| Off campus during scheduled breaks |
Full time, such as during winter and summer breaks |
| Programmes with no scheduled breaks |
Up to 24 hours a week all year |
| On campus |
No weekly limit |
| Remote work for an employer outside Canada |
Doesn’t count towards the 24 hours |
Research master’s and PhD programmes often have no scheduled summer break, so check your institution’s academic calendar before taking on extra hours.
Do You Need a Permit for Co-op or Internships?
Not since 1st April 2026 for most post-secondary students. If a co-op, internship or practicum is required by your programme and makes up 50% or less of it, your study permit is enough, as long as it allows on-campus work. Placements in health care, childcare or schools may still need a medical exam.
Who Can’t Work Off Campus?
- Language students: Students only taking English or French as a second language courses
- Part-time students: Unless you’re in your final semester after studying full time throughout
- Students without a work condition: If your study permit says you can’t work, you can’t work off campus
Expert View
“Plan your budget as if you won’t work at all in your first term. It takes time to get your SIN, find a job and settle into your studies, and IRCC expects your proof of funds to cover you without any part-time income.” – Priyanka Baruah, Counsellor, StudyIn.
How Much Can International Students Earn in Canada?
Most student jobs pay at or slightly above the minimum wage, which is set by each province. These are the general rates in effect in October 2026:
| Province |
Minimum Wage (CAD/hour) |
| British Columbia |
18.25 |
| Ontario |
17.95 |
| Prince Edward Island |
17.30 |
| Nova Scotia |
17.00 |
| Quebec |
16.60 |
| Manitoba |
16.40 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador |
16.35 |
| New Brunswick |
15.90 |
| Saskatchewan |
15.70 |
| Alberta |
15.00 |
As an example, working 24 hours a week at Ontario’s minimum wage earns around CAD 1,870 a month before tax. That helps, but it’s less than the CAD 23,448 a year you must show for living costs on your study permit application, which works out at about CAD 1,950 a month. Treat part-time income as a top-up, not a way to fund your studies, and compare the cost of living in Canada in your city.
How Do You Get a Social Insurance Number?
You apply for a SIN through Service Canada, online or in person, using your study permit. Your permit must include a condition allowing you to work. If it doesn’t, but you’re eligible, contact IRCC to have it amended before you apply.
What Part-Time Jobs Can International Students Do?
- On-campus jobs: Library assistant, research or teaching assistant, and roles in campus cafés, gyms and student services
- Hospitality: Restaurants, cafés and bars offer flexible shifts, and tips can add to your hourly pay
- Retail: Sales and customer service roles build communication skills employers value
- Tutoring: Teaching subjects or languages you’re strong in, often at higher hourly rates
Most student jobs are in TEER 4 or 5 occupations, and work done while you’re a full-time student doesn’t count towards permanent residence. If you want work that builds your career, look for co-op placements and roles related to your field.
How Can You Find a Part-Time Job?
- Use your careers service: Most universities and colleges run job boards, CV workshops and careers fairs
- Adapt your CV: Canadian CVs are usually one to two pages and focus on skills and achievements
- Start with campus jobs: They’re flexible around your timetable and have no weekly hour limit
- Apply in person: Many local shops and cafés hire students who hand in a CV directly
What Happens If You Work More Hours Than Allowed?
Working more than 24 hours a week off campus during term breaks the conditions of your study permit. You could lose your student status, be asked to leave Canada, and find it harder to get a study permit, work permit or PGWP in future. Self-employment and gig work count towards the limit, so keep track of your hours across all jobs.
Can You Work in Canada After Graduating?
Yes, if you’re eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit, which lets you work for any employer for up to three years. See which jobs are in demand in Canada after graduation and what they pay.
How StudyIn Can Help You Plan Your Studies in Canada
Working while you study can help with living costs and build your CV, but it needs to fit around a realistic budget and your study plans. StudyIn has over 20 years of experience helping international students, and our counsellors can help you plan your costs, choose a programme with co-op options and prepare your proof of funds.
We support you through shortlisting, applications, scholarships, your study permit and pre-departure, and our service is free throughout. Parents are welcome to join your sessions too.
FAQs
How many hours can international students work in Canada?
Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, full time during scheduled breaks, and unlimited hours on campus, if you meet the eligibility conditions.
How much can a student earn in Canada per month?
Working 24 hours a week at Ontario’s minimum wage of CAD 17.95 an hour earns around CAD 1,870 a month before tax. Rates vary by province, from CAD 15.00 in Alberta to CAD 18.25 in British Columbia.
Is it hard to find a part-time job in Canada as an international student?
It can take time, especially in your first term and in large cities. Campus jobs and your institution’s careers service are usually the quickest places to start.
What happens if I work more than 24 hours a week?
You’d be breaking the conditions of your study permit, which could lead to losing your student status and affect future applications, including for a PGWP.
Can I work before my programme starts?
No. You can only start working off campus once your programme has begun.
Does part-time work count towards PR in Canada?
No. Work done while you’re a full-time student doesn’t count towards the Canadian Experience Class, so most graduates build qualifying experience on a PGWP.
