Introduction

Canada is among the top destinations for international students due to the high-quality education system, multicultural environment, and numerous opportunities or personal and professional growth that it offers. One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective international students is whether they can work while studying in Canada. The good news is that, yes, international students can work on a student visa in Canada. In this post, we have outlined and explained the answer to the question on whether students can work on a student visa in Canada.

It is interesting that Canada provides several work opportunities for international students, which can be categorized into on-campus and off-campus work. On-campus work refers to employment within the university or college premises, including jobs at libraries, administrative offices, and student organizations. These positions are relatively easy to obtain and do not require a separate work permit. Off-campus work allows students to work for external employers, such as retail stores, restaurants, or internships related to their field of study. Off-campus work, however, has specific regulations and requirements that students must adhere to.

On-Campus Work

International students with a valid study permit can work on their school’s campus without needing an additional work permit. This opportunity is available to full-time post-secondary students who have started their academic programs. On-campus jobs include positions in libraries, research labs, student services, or administrative offices. Working on-campus is a convenient option as it allows students to work close to their classes and accommodation, and reduces commute time and expenses. Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity to integrate into the campus community, develop essential skills, and gain work experience in a supportive environment.

Off-Campus Work

Off-campus work opportunities are also available for international students. As of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions. This increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week aims to provide students with more flexibility to support themselves financially while ensuring they can focus on their studies. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, students can work full-time. However, students have to meet the eligibility criteria, such as being enrolled in a designated learning institution (DLI) and pursuing a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. The academic program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Additionally, students must maintain satisfactory academic standing as defined by their institution. If these criteria are met, students can work off-campus without the need for a separate work permit. It is important to note that students must stop working off-campus as soon as they no longer meet the eligibility requirements, such as switching to part-time studies or taking a leave of absence.

Co-op and Internship Programs

Some academic programs in Canada require students to complete a co-op or internship as part of their curriculum. These work placements provide hands-on experience in the student’s field of study. To participate in a co-op or internship program, students need a co-op work permit in addition to their study permit. This permit is usually issued for the same duration as the study permit and allows students to work only in positions related to their academic program. To apply for a co-op work permit, students must provide a letter from their school confirming that the work placement is an essential part of their program.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program allows international students who have completed their studies at a Canadian post-secondary institution to work in Canada for up to three years. The length of the work permit depends on the duration of the study program completed. To be eligible for a PGWP, students must have completed a program that is at least eight months long at a designated learning institution. The PGWP is an open work permit, which means that graduates can work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer at the time of application. This program provides an opportunity for graduates to gain Canadian work experience, which can be beneficial for future immigration applications.

Benefits of Working While Studying

Working while studying in Canada allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study, develop essential workplace skills, and build a professional network. Additionally, earning an income helps students manage their living expenses and reduce financial strain. Engaging in part-time work can also enhance time management skills and provide a balanced lifestyle. The work experience gained in Canada can be a valuable addition to a student’s resume, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation.

International students must be able to balance work and study effectively. Overcommitting to work hours can negatively impact academic performance and overall well-being. Students should prioritize their studies and seek employment that provides option for flexible hours and is related to their field of interest. Time management is key; students should create a schedule that allocates sufficient time for classes, assignments, work, and self-care. Seeking support from academic advisors and career services can also help students navigate their work-study balance successfully.

Recent updates to Canada’s migration policies have introduced changes that affect international students. Additionally, the termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) means that all students must now go through the regular visa processing, which may take longer. The SDS was previously available to students from select countries, providing faster visa processing times. Its termination means students from these countries must now follow the standard process, which involves longer waiting periods. 

Challenges

Although working on a student visa in Canada has many benefits, students may encounter challenges when it comes to securing employment which is competitive, especially in larger cities where many students and residents vie for part-time jobs. To overcome this challenge, students should take advantage of their university’s career services, attend job fairs, build a strong professional network and leverage on opportunities offered on such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn as well as local community job boards in finding job opportunities.

Managing the work-study balance is another challenge because working too many hours can lead to burnout and negatively affect academic performance. Students should set realistic work hours, prioritize their academic responsibilities, and seek flexible job opportunities that accommodate their study schedules. Time management skills are essential, and students can benefit from creating structured daily routines that allocate time for classes, assignments, work, and leisure.

Understanding and adhering to visa regulations is also key to avoid jeopardizing legal status in Canada. Students must be aware of the conditions of their study and work permits, such as the maximum number of allowable work hours and the requirement to maintain full-time student status. Violating these conditions can result in the revocation of the visa and possible deportation.

On the visa application and renewal processes, students should start their applications early, keep track of important deadlines, and prepare all necessary documents in advance. Seeking assistance from university international student offices and utilizing online resources provided by IRCC can provide valuable support throughout the process.

Lastly, the opportunity to work while studying provides financial support, valuable work experience, and a chance to integrate into Canadian society but to make the most of this opportunity, students need to balance work and study effectively and stay informed about immigration policies. Whether it is on-campus employment, off-campus jobs, or co-op programs, working while studying can enrich the overall experience of international students in Canada.