Student Jobs in Canada
A study permit is the paper that lets you study in Canada. The border officer gives it to you at the airport. If it says you may work, you can work on campus with no hour limit, and off campus (a job outside your school) up to 24 hours a week while classes run.
Work Regulations for International Students
Legal Right to Work
- Up to 24 hours a week off campus during classes.
- No limit on campus.
- No limit off campus in school breaks.
- You need a SIN.
- You are only learning English or French as a second language.
- You are only taking general interest courses (courses taken for personal interest).
- You are on a break from your studies (an authorized leave).
Types of Student Work
On-campus work
At your school's buildings. No hour limit if your study permit allows work.
Off-campus work
Anywhere in Canada. Up to 24 hours a week while classes run.
Special Cases
Working more than 24 hours a week off campus while classes run breaks the rules of your study permit. You can lose your student status, which means your right to study in Canada.
After you finish, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), a work permit after you finish. If you apply before your study permit ends, you can work while you wait.
Popular Job Opportunities for Students
Three ways to work while you study.
- No hour limit on campus, if your study permit allows work.
- Employers include your school, a faculty member (a teacher at your school), a student group, or a private business on campus.
- Helping a teacher or doing research as an assistant is also on-campus work.
- Up to 24 hours a week while classes run.
- No hour limit in school breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.
- Your program must be at least 6 months long and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Some courses include a work placement, such as a co-op (study with paid work) or an internship. Since 1 April 2026, you do not need a separate work permit for it.
- You need a letter from your school saying the placement is required.
- The placement must be 50% or less of your program.
Remote Work Opportunities
Minimum Wage Example: Ontario
Each province sets its own minimum wage.
Wage Insights
- In Ontario, the lowest pay allowed (the general minimum wage) is CAD 17.95 an hour from 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027. CAD means Canadian dollars.
- Other provinces set their own rates.
Taxes for International Students
If you work in Canada, you may have to file a Canadian tax form (an income tax return). First, find out which tax group you are in.
Helpful Tax Resources
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Explains taxes for international students.
- Taxes for international students studying in Canada
How to Find Student Jobs in Canada
Start with your study permit, your Social Insurance Number (SIN, your number for work and taxes) and your school's job board.
The Government of Canada's job board.
Your school's career office
Posts on-campus jobs and helps with your resume.
Effective Job Search Strategies
- Look at your study permit. It must say you are allowed to work.
- Apply for your SIN.
- On-campus jobs have no hour limit if your study permit allows work.
- In school breaks you can work off campus with no hour limit.
Common Challenges & Solutions
Hour limit
You can work at most 24 hours a week off campus while classes run.
Solution:
Write down your hours every week. You must keep track of them yourself.
You do not have a SIN
You need a SIN to work.
Solution:
Apply online after your program starts. You can begin work when you apply.
Work and Study
Your study permit says you must keep studying. Plan your work around your classes.
You must keep track of the hours you work off campus.
Your study permit says you must keep studying. Go to class and do your course work.
Week Planning for Success
Optimal Hours
- Up to 24 hours a week:The most you can work off campus while classes run.
Scheduling Strategy
- Use your breaks:Work more in summer and winter breaks, when there is no hour limit.
Warning Signs
Consider reducing work hours if you experience:
- You are falling behind in your courses.
- You are close to the 24-hour weekly limit.
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