
If you meet Canada’s eligibility requirements for off-campus employment, you can work:
| Study period | Work hours |
|---|---|
| Regular academic term | Up to 24 hours per week off campus |
| Scheduled academic break | Unlimited off-campus hours if eligible |
| On-campus employment | No IRCC weekly limit if eligible |
| Before your study program starts | You cannot work under student work authorization |
The 24-hour limit applies to off-campus work during regular academic sessions. You can have more than one job, but the combined off-campus hours must remain within your permitted limit.
If your older study permit says you can work only 20 hours per week off campus, IRCC states that you may work up to 24 hours if you continue meeting the eligibility requirements.
Who Can Work Part Time in Canada on a Student Visa?
Having a Canadian study permit does not automatically mean every international student can work off campus.
Generally, to work off campus without a separate work permit, you must:
- have a valid study permit with appropriate work conditions;
- be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
- be studying a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or an eligible Quebec secondary-level vocational program;
- be enrolled in a program that lasts at least six months;
- be studying toward a degree, diploma or certificate; and
- have already started your studies.
Certain part-time students may also qualify if they are studying part time only because they are completing the final semester of their program and previously studied full time.
Always check the conditions printed on your study permit before accepting employment.

Can International Students Work Off Campus in Canada?
Yes, eligible international students can work off campus in Canada without applying for a separate work permit.
Off-campus work could include employment at restaurants, retail stores, offices and other businesses outside your university or college campus.
However, your priority must remain your studies.
During regular academic sessions, eligible students can work a maximum of 24 hours per week off campus. Working beyond the permitted limit violates your study permit conditions and can affect your immigration status and future study or work permit applications.
That makes tracking your working hours especially important if you have multiple part-time jobs.
Can International Students Work On Campus?
On-campus work follows different rules.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and your study permit allows you to work, you may be able to work on your university or college campus without a separate work permit.
On-campus employers can include:
- your university or college;
- a faculty member;
- a student organisation;
- a private business operating on campus;
- a contractor providing services to the institution; or
- yourself, in certain circumstances.
IRCC does not impose a limit on the number of hours eligible students can work on campus during regular terms or scheduled breaks.
However, you still need to meet your study permit conditions and remain eligible to work.
Can You Work Full Time During Semester Breaks in Canada?
Generally, yes.
Eligible students can work unlimited off-campus hours during a scheduled break in the academic calendar, such as summer or winter holidays or an eligible reading week.
The break must be officially scheduled by your DLI.
For example, simply having a long weekend does not automatically allow you to work unlimited hours. IRCC states that a scheduled break generally needs to be scheduled by your school and last at least seven consecutive days.
Once classes restart, the regular 24-hour-per-week off-campus limit applies again.
Can You Work Before Your Course Starts?
KHÔNG.
You cannot begin working in Canada under your student work authorization simply because you have arrived in the country.
IRCC states that international students can only begin working once their study program has started.
This is important when planning your finances. If you arrive several weeks before orientation or classes, you should have enough money available to support yourself without relying on employment.
Do International Students Need a SIN to Work in Canada?
Yes. You will generally need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada.
A SIN is a nine-digit number issued by the Canadian government that allows you to work legally in Canada.
Your study permit must include an appropriate condition authorising you to work before you can obtain a SIN for off-campus employment. If the required condition is missing even though you are eligible, you may need to request an amendment to your study permit.
Make sure this is sorted out before starting a job.

Who Cannot Work Off Campus?
Not every student studying in Canada qualifies for off-campus employment.
For example, you generally cannot work off campus under the standard student work authorization if:
- your study permit states that you cannot work off campus;
- you are studying only English or French as a second language;
- you are taking only general-interest courses;
- you are completing only courses required for admission into a full-time program; or
- you no longer meet the eligibility requirements.
Students on an authorised leave from their studies also cannot work off campus during that leave.
This is why you should check your personal study permit conditions instead of assuming the same rules apply to every international student.
Does Remote Work Count Towards the 24-Hour Limit?
This is an interesting exception.
IRCC states that you can work remotely for an employer outside Canada while maintaining your study permit conditions. This work does not count toward the 24-hour-per-week off-campus limit.
However, employment and tax circumstances can vary. If you plan to work remotely while living in Canada, make sure you understand any other rules that may apply to your situation.
Should You Rely on Part-Time Work to Pay for Your Studies?
Vừa làm vừa học can provide useful extra income, but it should not be your main financial plan.
Part-time employment can help with some everyday expenses while also giving you:
However, jobs and working hours are never guaranteed.
Your study permit also requires you to remain focused on your studies and continue meeting your student conditions.
Therefore, when planning to study in Canada, build your budget around tuition and living expenses first. Think of part-time employment as additional support rather than your primary source of funding.

Plan Your Studies in Canada with AUG
The opportunity to work while studying can make Canada attractive to international students. However, choosing where and what to study should come first.
You will need to consider your course, university or college, tuition fees, living expenses, entry requirements and study permit conditions—not simply the number of hours you may be able to work.
AUG Student Services can assist students at no cost, helping you explore suitable institutions and courses, understand entry requirements and prepare your university application. Your counsellor can also guide you through the steps involved in preparing to study overseas, saving you the hassle of navigating the process alone.
If you’re considering Canada, speaking with an AUG education consultant can help you understand your options and start planning your study journey with greater confidence.

