Studying in Ontario is exciting, but managing finances is equally important. Many international students take up part-time jobs to cover living expenses and gain work experience. However, it’s crucial to understand how many hours a student can work in Ontario under IRCC regulations. If you’re planning to work while studying, you need to follow the rules set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Working beyond the allowed hours can affect your study permit and future immigration plans. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about How many hours can a student work in Ontario, different job opportunities, and how to balance work with studies.
Table of contents
IRCC Rules on Student Working Hours in Ontario
If you’re an international student in Ontario, knowing your work rights is important. The IRCC student working hours rules depend on your study permit and enrollment status. Let’s understand it in a simple way!
1️. Off-Campus Work Limits: If you’re studying full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit, you can:
- Work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
- Work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during scheduled breaks like summer, winter, and spring holidays.
2️. On-Campus Work Limits: Want to work at your university or college? Great news! You can work on-campus without any time restrictions if your study permit allows it. There is no need for a separate work permit as long as you’re a full-time student!
Where can you work on campus?
- University Library
- Campus cafeteria
- Research assistant positions
- Administrative jobs
3️. Co-op and Internship Work: Some programs require students to complete internships or co-op courses. Example: If you’re studying Computer Science, you can work as an intern at a tech company. If you’re in Healthcare, you can do a hospital internship. If that applies to you:
- You need a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit.
- The job must be directly related to your course of study.
4️. Part-Time Students: If you’re in your final semester and studying part-time (because you have no full-time courses left), you might still be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus.
Note: If you’re part-time for any other reason (not your final semester), you are NOT eligible to work off-campus.
5️. Work After Graduation: Once you complete your studies, you cannot work immediately after graduation. You must apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) first.
- What is PGWP? – A work permit that allows international students to work full-time after graduation.
- How long does PGWP last? – Depends on your study program duration:
| Study Duration | PGWP Length |
| Less than 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months – 2 years | Same as the study duration |
| 2+ years | Up to 3 years |
Tip: Apply for your PGWP within 180 days after graduation to stay and work in Canada!
Also Read:
- International Students Working Hours: What You Need to Know
- Best Cities to Live in Ontario for International Students [2025]
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Work Hours
As an international student in Canada, you can work both on-campus and off-campus while studying. But what’s the difference between them? Here’s a quick comparison of on-campus and off-campus work options for international students:
| Work Type | Where Can You Work? | Maximum Hours Allowed? |
| On-Campus | University, library, research centres | No limit (as long as you study full-time) |
| Off-Campus | Any employer outside campus | 20 hours/week (full-time during breaks) |
| Co-op/Internship | As part of academic requirements | As per co-op permit conditions |
| Post-Graduation | Any employer (after PGWP approval) | No limit (if on a valid work permit) |
What Happens If You Exceed Work Hour Limits?
If you’re an international student in Canada, it’s important to follow IRCC student working hour rules. Working beyond the allowed limits might seem tempting, but it can have serious consequences. Let’s break it down:
1. Legal Consequences: Your study permit has clear conditions about how many hours you can work. If you exceed these limits, you are violating your permit, and IRCC could cancel or revoke it. In the worst case, you might even be asked to leave Canada.
2. Immigration Issues: Breaking the work-hour rules can hurt your future in Canada. If you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or Permanent Residency (PR), IRCC will check your compliance history. Any violations can reduce your chances of approval or even lead to rejection.
3. Employer Penalties: If your employer allows you to work more hours than legally permitted, they can get into trouble too. The company might face fines, legal action, or even restrictions on hiring international students in the future.
4. Impact on Your Studies: Overworking can take a toll on your health and academics. Long shifts, late nights, and exhaustion can make it hard to focus on studies. If your grades drop, you might even lose your scholarship or struggle with your coursework.
Job Opportunities for Students in Ontario
Working part-time while studying in Ontario can help you manage expenses and gain valuable work experience. Fortunately, there are plenty of student-friendly jobs that fit within IRCC student working hours. Below is a list of popular jobs for international students in Ontario along with their average pay.
| Job Type | Average Pay (CAD/hour) |
| Retail Sales Associate | CAD 15 – CAD 18 |
| Barista | CAD 14 – CAD 17 |
| Tutor | CAD 18 – CAD 25 |
| Research Assistant | CAD 16 – CAD 20 |
| Customer Service Rep | CAD 15 – CAD 19 |
| Delivery Driver | CAD 17 – CAD 22 |
| Receptionist | CAD 15 – CAD 20 |
| Library Assistant | CAD 14 – CAD 18 |
| Teaching Assistant (TA) | CAD 18 – CAD 25 |
| Social Media Manager | CAD 17 – CAD 22 |
| Data Entry Clerk | CAD 15 – CAD 19 |
| Warehouse Associate | CAD 16 – CAD 21 |
| Uber/Lyft Driver (if eligible) | CAD 18 – CAD 25 |
| Call Center Representative | CAD 15 – CAD 20 |
| Freelance Graphic Designer | CAD 20 – CAD 30 |
Also Read:
- How to Apply for a Health Card in Ontario as a Student?
- Cost of Living in Canada for International Students [2025]
How to Balance Work and Studies?
Working while studying in Canada can be exciting but also challenging. If you don’t plan well, it can lead to stress, missed deadlines, and burnout. But don’t worry! Here’s how you can effectively balance your job and academics:
1. Stick to 10-15 Hours Per Week: While you may be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week, it’s important to know your limits. If your course has a heavy workload, try to stick to 10-15 hours per week instead. This way, you can manage both work and studies without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Choose Flexible Jobs That Fit Your Schedule: Look for part-time jobs that offer flexible hours. Many student-friendly jobs—like tutoring, freelancing, or retail—allow you to adjust shifts based on your class timings. Some on-campus jobs (like library assistants) also let you study when work is slow!
3. Use Time Management Apps: Apps like Google Calendar, Notion, and Trello can help you track your class schedule, assignments, and work shifts. Set reminders for important deadlines so you never miss an assignment while juggling work.
4. Prioritize Studies & Plan Ahead: Always put your education first. If exams or major assignments are coming up, reduce work hours for that week. Let your employer know in advance so they can adjust your shifts. Avoid working long hours the night before an exam—it’s not worth the risk!
5. Take Care of Your Health & Avoid Burnout: Working too much can leave you exhausted. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy, and take breaks. If you ever feel too stressed, talk to your employer about reducing shifts or seek help from university support services.
Now that you know how many hours a student can work in Ontario, it’s important to plan your work schedule wisely. By following these guidelines, you can make the most of your student life in Ontario while gaining valuable work experience.
Hope you liked reading our blog about How many hours can a student work in Ontario. For a stress-free stay during your study abroad adventure, choose Fly Homes. Call 1800572118 to reserve your ideal accommodation abroad with ease.
FAQs
International students in Ontario can work up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays.
No, international students cannot work more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Doing so may violate visa conditions.
Yes, students can work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, as long as they meet work permit conditions.
No, unless the student is part of an approved work-integrated learning program, co-op, or internship required for their studies.
There are no limits for on-campus work as long as the student is enrolled in a full-time program at a recognized institution.
No, international students with a valid study permit stating they can work do not need a separate work permit for part-time jobs.
No, students must have a valid study permit with work authorization to work legally in Ontario.
High school students can work part-time, but international students in secondary school generally cannot work off-campus.
Yes, students can have multiple jobs, but the total working hours must not exceed 20 hours per week during school terms.
Working beyond 20 hours per week may result in visa violations, loss of student status, or even deportation.
Follow Us on Social Media
