Navigating Academics and Employment for Overseas Students: A Handbook for International Scholars in Canada
International students in Canada have the opportunity to work, both on and off campus, during their studies. However, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Authorization to Work
To work while studying, authorization is required from IRCC. International students can work off-campus part-time if they are in their final semester and don't need a full course load to complete their program. On-campus work is generally allowed without a work permit, but students must meet certain eligibility criteria.
Off-Campus Work Permit
An international student studying in Canada must apply for a work permit from IRCC to legally work off-campus. This is necessary if the student's program start date was deferred, they are enrolled solely in English or French (ESL/FSL) programs, only taking general interest courses, or if their circumstances have changed and they no longer meet the criteria to work off-campus without a permit.
Eligibility for On-Campus Work
Eligibility to work on-campus without a work permit requires the student to be enrolled in a public college, university, trade, or technical school, a private post-secondary school in Quebec, a Quebec institution offering 900-hour+ DVC or AVS programs, or a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees in a program leading to a degree authorized by the province.
On-Campus Employment
On-campus employment can include the school, faculty members, student organizations, private businesses located on campus, private contractors providing on-campus services to the school, and self-employment if the business is physically based on campus premises.
Off-Campus Work Hours
International students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms without a work permit. If scheduled academic breaks extend beyond 150 consecutive days due to back-to-back breaks, students may only engage in off-campus work during the first 150 consecutive days. During scheduled breaks, a foreign national studying in Canada may work unlimited hours off-campus.
Remote Work
Students can work remotely from within Canada for an employer outside Canada, provided they continue to meet the conditions of their study permit. However, for remote work without requiring a work permit, the employer must have no physical presence in Canada, not carry out any business operations in Canada, and maintain no financial connections to Canada.
Consequences of Breaking Rules
Breaking the conditions of a study permit can lead to serious consequences, such as losing student status, the denial of work permits or study permits in the future, and removal from Canada.
It's crucial for international students to understand and adhere to the rules regarding work while studying in Canada to avoid any potential issues. For more detailed information, students should refer to the IRCC's official guidelines.
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