If you’re an international student in Canada, you might be wondering: “How many hours can I work while studying?” This is a common concern, especially for students who want to manage their expenses or gain work experience.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has specific rules about student working hours. These rules decide how many hours you can work on-campus, off-campus, and during breaks. Recently, IRCC has also introduced new updates, making it important to stay informed. Let’s understand the IRCC Student Working Hours so you can balance your studies and part-time work in Canada.
Table of contents
- IRCC Student Working Hours
- IRCC New Rules for International Students’ Working Hours
- Maximum Working Hours in Canada for International Students
- IRCC New Rules for International Students Work Permit
- Part-Time Jobs While Studying (No Work Permit Required)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Work Full-Time After Graduation
- How to Find Part-Time Jobs as an International Student?
- FAQs
IRCC Student Working Hours
As an international student in Canada, you are allowed to work both on-campus and off-campus under specific conditions. Your study permit must state that you are eligible to work.
If you violate these working hours, it can impact your study permit and even your chances of getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) later. Here’s a quick breakdown of how many hours you can work:
| Work Type | Maximum Hours Allowed |
| On-Campus Work | Unlimited (if enrolled full-time) |
| Off-Campus (During Classes) | Up to 20 hours/week |
| Off-Campus (During Scheduled Breaks) | Up to 40 hours/week (Full-time) |
| Co-op/Internships | Based on study permit conditions |
IRCC New Rules for International Students’ Working Hours
If you’re an international student in Canada, you probably know that there’s a limit on how many hours you can work while studying. However, due to labour shortages, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) made some temporary changes to help students earn more.
Latest Updates (As of 2024-2025):
IRCC has made some latest changes to the working hours of international students as of 2024-2025. You can find these latest updates here or on the official website of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).
Students Can Work More Than 20 Hours (Temporarily):
- From November 15, 2022, to April 30, 2024, IRCC allowed students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus.
- It is uncertain whether this rule will be extended, so students should check IRCC’s official website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria for Working Extra Hours:
- Must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- Must be enrolled in a program that is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
Also Read:
- Can International Students Work More than 40 Hours in Canada: A Detailed Guide
- Canada vs Ireland: Which Offers Better Education?
Maximum Working Hours in Canada for International Students
If you’re an international student in Canada, you might be wondering, “How many hours can I work while studying?” Understanding IRCC student working hours is essential to stay within the legal limits and avoid any immigration issues. Here’s a simple breakdown of the rules!
Working Hours During Academic Terms
When your classes are in session, IRCC allows you to work up to 20 hours per week if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Where can you work?
- Retail stores (cashier, sales associate)
- Hospitality (cafés, restaurants, hotels)
- Research Assistant roles at universities
- Customer service jobs (call centres, front desk roles)
Why the 20-hour limit?
The 20-hour work limit is in place to ensure that your job doesn’t affect your studies. Working too many hours can impact your academic performance, which may affect your visa status.
Working Hours During Scheduled Breaks
During official scheduled breaks like summer vacation, winter holidays, or reading weeks, students can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week).
What counts as a scheduled break?
Your university must officially recognize the break. For example, summer break for undergraduate students is usually from May to August.
Tip: Many students take advantage of these breaks to work more hours and save money for tuition and living expenses!
On-Campus Jobs – No Hourly Limit!
One of the best ways to earn money while studying is through on-campus jobs because there’s no limit on how many hours you can work!
Examples of on-campus jobs:
- Library Assistant
- Teaching Assistant (TA)
- Research Assistant
- Administrative roles at university offices
- Campus café or bookstore worker
Why choose an on-campus job?
- No work permit is required!
- Convenient location (no commuting)
- Flexible hours that fit around your classes
IRCC New Rules for International Students Work Permit
If you’re planning to study and work in Canada, staying updated on the latest IRCC work permit rules is essential. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) frequently updates policies to help international students balance work and studies.
In recent years, Canada has introduced temporary changes to address labour shortages, allowing students to work more hours off-campus. However, these policies may change, so it’s crucial to check IRCC’s official website for updates.
Do I Need a Work Permit as an International Student in Canada?
If you’re an international student in Canada, you might be wondering whether you need a work permit to take up a job. The good news is that in most cases, you don’t need a separate work permit for part-time jobs while studying. However, there are exceptions, especially if your program includes a mandatory internship or co-op placement.
Part-Time Jobs While Studying (No Work Permit Required)
If you’re studying full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and your study permit includes a work condition, you can work:
- Up to 20 hours per week during academic terms.
- Full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during scheduled breaks.
Note: If you don’t have a work condition mentioned on your study permit, you may need to apply to IRCC to add this condition.
Co-op or Internship Work Permit (Required in Some Cases)
If your course includes mandatory co-op courses or internships, you will need to apply for a Co-op Work Permit in addition to your study permit.
Eligibility for a Co-op Work Permit:
- Your program requires work experience as part of the curriculum.
- Your internship or co-op placement cannot be more than 50% of your total program duration.
- How to Apply? You can apply for a Co-op Work Permit online through the IRCC website while holding a valid study permit.
Also Read:
- Top Part-time Jobs for Students in Canada
- Cheapest Countries to Study: Affordable Education Options for Students
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) – Work Full-Time After Graduation
If you want to stay and work in Canada after completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit in Canada (PGWP). This permit allows you to work full-time in Canada and gain valuable work experience, which can help you qualify for Permanent Residency (PR).
PGWP Eligibility Criteria:
- You must have completed a full-time program from a DLI in Canada.
- Your program must be at least 8 months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You must apply for PGWP within 180 days of getting your final marks or completion letter.
PGWP Duration Based on Study Length
| 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 |
Why is PGWP Important?
A PGWP allows you to gain Canadian work experience, which is valuable for applying for Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Here’s why PGWP matters:
1️. Allows Full-Time Work – Unlike part-time work while studying, a PGWP lets you work full-time for any employer in Canada, without restrictions.
2️. Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR) – Canadian work experience gained through PGWP helps in PR applications via Express Entry, CEC (Canadian Experience Class), and PNP (Provincial Nominee Program).
3️. No Job Restrictions – With a PGWP, you can work in any industry or sector, allowing flexibility in career choices.
4️. Gains Valuable Canadian Work Experience – Many Canadian employers prefer candidates with local experience. A PGWP helps you build your resume with recognized work experience.
5️. Opportunity to Earn Higher Salaries – Full-time jobs in Canada offer better salaries and benefits, helping you secure financial stability and a future in Canada.
How to Find Part-Time Jobs as an International Student?
Finding a part-time job in Canada can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the country. But don’t worry! There are many resources available to help you find suitable jobs.
Start by exploring on-campus jobs, job portals, and networking opportunities. The more effort you put into searching, the better your chances of finding a well-paying job that fits your schedule.
Where to Find Jobs?
If you’re looking for a part-time job in Canada, here are some of the best places to start your search. Look at the places where you can find jobs in Canada.
1. University Job Portals: Many universities have on-campus jobs listed on their official career websites. Positions like library assistant, teaching assistant, and campus café worker are commonly available.
2. Online Job Portals: Websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, and Job Bank Canada regularly post part-time job listings. You can filter jobs based on location, salary, and required skills.
3. Networking & Student Groups: Connecting with professors, seniors, and student communities can help you discover job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.
4. Walk-in Applications: Many restaurants, cafes, and retail stores in Canada accept walk-in applications. Carry a printed resume and personally ask the manager if they have job openings.
5. Social Media & LinkedIn: Joining local Facebook job groups and LinkedIn communities can help you find part-time jobs suited for students. Many employers post job openings directly on these platforms.
Best Part-Time Jobs for Students in Canada
Not all jobs pay the same, so it’s essential to choose a job that fits your schedule and pays well. Here are some of the best part-time jobs for students in Canada:
| Job Role | Average Pay (CAD/hour) |
| Retail Assistant | CAD 15 – CAD 18 |
| Tutor | CAD 20 – CAD 30 |
| Food Delivery Driver | CAD 15 – CAD 22 |
| Library Assistant | CAD 16 – CAD 19 |
| Customer Service Rep | CAD 15 – CAD 21 |
Understanding IRCC student working hours is essential for balancing work and studies in Canada. Before taking up a job, always check IRCC’s latest policies to stay compliant.
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FAQs
IRCC allows international students to work 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter holidays.
No, exceeding IRCC Student Working Hours can lead to legal issues or impact your study permit. Always follow the 20-hour limit during school sessions.
Yes, in some cases, IRCC temporarily allows students to work more than 20 hours. Check IRCC’s official website for the latest updates on work policies.
No, you can only work full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter vacations, as per IRCC Student Working Hours regulations.
Yes, unpaid work and internships related to your study program may still count toward your working hours. Always check your permit conditions.
Yes, you can work multiple part-time jobs, but the total must not exceed 20 hours per week during the academic term.
Working more than 20 hours per week can lead to serious consequences, including the cancellation of your study permit or future visa restrictions.
Yes, students can work both on-campus and off-campus, but the total off-campus work should not exceed 20 hours per week.
IRCC occasionally updates work policies. Check their website for the latest updates regarding student working hours.
Once you complete your program, you cannot work unless you apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or another valid work permit.
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