Students Working Hours in Canada in 2025: Rules, Benefits, and Opportunities

Balancing studies and work is a key aspect of student life in Canada. With part-time job opportunities available both on and off campus, international students can gain valuable experience while managing their expenses. Understanding student working hours in Canada is essential to making the most of these opportunities.

In Canada, there are specific rules governing how many hours students can work, both during the school term and during breaks. This is important to ensure they comply with their visa requirements while earning extra income. Let's explore these working hour limits and how students can make the most of their time in Canada.

Regulations on Students Working Hours in Canada

International students in Canada can work on or off campus under certain conditions. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has outlined specific rules regarding working hours for students:

1. Student Working Hours in Canada During Classes

International students are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours a week during regular academic sessions without a work visa as of November 8, 2024. The goal of this change is to give students more financial flexibility while maintaining the importance of their academic obligations.

Explore the major benefits of studying in Canada for Indian students here!

2. Student Working Hours in Canada During Scheduled Breaks

During scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays and reading weeks set by your designated learning institution (DLI), students can work unlimited hours off campus. They also have the flexibility to take courses on either a part-time or full-time basis during these breaks. This allows students to gain work experience while continuing their studies at their own pace.

Eligibility Criteria to Work as a Student in Canada

Working while studying in Canada is a great way for students to gain experience and support themselves financially. However, certain eligibility criteria must be met to work off-campus without a work permit.

 Who can Work Off-Campus?

You can work off-campus if you meet the following requirements.

• You must be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI Canada).
• Your enrollment should be in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational program (Quebec only).
• Your study program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• You must have started your studies and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Read about the Canada Student Visa including its fees, requirements, and more information in this detailed article.

Part-Time Students

If you are a part-time student at a DLI, you can work 0ff-campus only if:

• You meet all other eligibility requirements except being a full-time student.
• You are in your final semester, require a reduced course load to graduate, and were a full-time student in previous semesters.

Explore this article and learn all the details about Canada's minimum wages!

Who cannot Work Off-Campus?

You are not eligible to work off-campus without a work permit if:

• Your study permit explicitly states that you are not authorized to work.
• You are enrolled in an ESL/FSL (English or French as a Second Language) program.
• You are taking only general interest courses or prerequisite courses for a full-time program.
• Your eligibility changes, and you no longer meet the necessary requirements.

If any of these restrictions apply, you must apply for a work permit to work while studying in Canada. You can read all the details about Canada work visa requirements in this article.

How to Find a Job as a Student in Canada?

Once you know the eligibility requirements for part-time jobs in Canada, you can look for jobs. Finding a job as a student in Canada can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you in your job search:

1. Research Work Permit Requirements: Before you start looking for a job, make sure you understand the work permit requirements for international students in Canada. Depending on your study program and the length of your program, you may be eligible to work on or off campus.
2. Explore On-Campus Opportunities: Many Canadian universities and colleges offer on-campus job opportunities specifically for students. These can include positions in libraries, student services, research labs, or campus facilities. Check your school's career services or student employment office for job postings and application procedures.
3. Utilize Online Job Boards: There are several online job boards and websites that cater to student job seekers in Canada. Some popular platforms include Indeed, Workopolis, and Job Bank. Use keywords like "student," "part-time," or "temporary" when searching for jobs.
4. Network with Peers and Professors: Networking can be a valuable tool in finding job opportunities. Connect with your classmates, professors, and alumni to learn about potential job openings or internships. Attend career fairs and industry events to expand your network.
5. Consider Co-op or Internship Programs: Many Canadian institutions offer co-op or internship programs that allow students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. These programs often have partnerships with employers who are specifically looking to hire students.
6. Visit Local Businesses: Take the initiative to visit local businesses in your area and inquire about job openings. Bring copies of your resume and be prepared to fill out job applications on the spot. This approach can be particularly effective for part-time positions in retail, hospitality, or food services.
7. Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and academic achievements. Emphasize any previous work experience, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities and work ethic.

Looking for reasons to study abroad? We’ll give you the Top 10 Reasons Why Indian Students Go Abroad To Study here!

Benefits of Working as Students in Canada

Before checking out the students' working hours in Canada, let’s understand why having a part-time job is beneficial. Below are some of the major benefits of working as students in Canada:

• Financial Independence: Working part-time enables students to cover some of their living expenses, reducing their financial burden and allowing them to enjoy their time in Canada without constant financial stress.
• Skill Development: Part-time work provides students with an opportunity to enhance their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving, which are highly valued by employers worldwide.
• Networking Opportunities: Working while studying allows students to build a professional network within their field of interest, increasing their chances of securing internships or full-time positions in the future.
• Cultural Immersion: Engaging in part-time jobs exposes students to the Canadian work culture, providing a deeper understanding of the country's professional landscape and enhancing their overall cultural immersion.

Top Part-Time Jobs in Canada

Part-time job salaries can vary based on the nature of the work obtained. For students engaged in part-time work, the payment is typically around CAD 10 per hour. It's important to note that part-time wages may differ from one city to another.

Below is a list of top off-campus part-time jobs along with average salary:

Here is a detailed article about the 10 best part-time jobs in Canada for Indian students. Read now and explore the latest updates!

Explore Boundless Opportunities: Study in Canada with GetGIS!

Understanding the students working hours in Canada is essential for balancing work and studies while staying within legal limits. From part-time work during semesters to unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, students have various opportunities to gain experience. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the regulations, they can make the most of their time in Canada.

Connect with GetGIS and get assistance in understanding student work regulations, visa requirements, and job opportunities in Canada. Our experts will guide you at every step, from selecting the ideal university to securing your student visa, ensuring a smooth transition to studying and working in Canada.

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Useful Links for You:

• Top Public Universities in Canada
• Top Scholarships for Indian Students in Canada