Working in Canada

What Do I Need to Know?
Online Self-Assessment Tool: Eligibility to Work in Canada
When Must I Stop Working?
On-Campus Work
Off-Campus Work
Online Self-Assessment Tool: How Many Hours Can I Work Off-Campus?
Regular Off-Campus Work Hours Eligibility

What Do I Need to Know?

  1. International students may only begin working in Canada after they have started their classes.
  2. Students must hold a valid Social Insurance Number to begin work.
  3. Students who have worked in Canada should file an income tax return. The IEC encourages students to attend a CRA Tax Information Session to understand filing taxes.

All of the information below can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website here.

Most Update-To-Date Information

For the most up-to-date information about Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), please refer to the IRCC website at canada.ca/immigration or call them at 1-888-242-2100.

It is the international student’s responsibility to know the rules and regulations that apply.

See the conditions of a study permit holder here.

Eligibility to Work in Canada Self-Assessment Tool

Use the tool below to check your eligibility to work in Canada after you have started your studies. Please note, this tool is intended to help you understand your ability to work during regular academic terms. International students are responsible for ensuring they meet all eligibility requirements. For information on working during scheduled and unscheduled breaks and co-op terms, review the International Student Handouts.

When Must I Stop Working?

If you are eligible to work based on the tool above, you must stop working:

You can return to work only once you’re back to studying full-time and you meet all the requirements to work.

On-Campus Work

Algonquin College international students can work on campus without a work permit, provided that all of the following statements are true:

  • they hold a valid study permit
  • they are full-time students enrolled at Algonquin College
  • they hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN), the Canadian identification number required to work
  • they have started studying

If a student meets the eligibility requirements to work on campus, there are no immigration-related restrictions on the number of hours students can work on campus. Students must continue to meet the eligibility requirements and be aware of when they must stop working.

For more information, please visit the IRCC website.

Off-Campus Work

Algonquin College international students can work off-campus without a work permit, provided that all of the following statements are true:

  • they hold a valid study permit
  • they are full-time students enrolled in an academic program at Algonquin College, unless:
    • you are on a scheduled break (no study required)
    • you are in your final term of study (part-time study is allowed in this term only)
  • the program of study is at least 6 months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
  • they hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN), the Canadian identification number required to work
  • they have started studying

As part of temporary measures from the IRCC some international students are eligible to work off-campus for more than 20 hours a week while class is in session. There are two temporary measures:

These measures are in place from December 7, 2023 until whichever comes first:

  • The study permit you applied for on or before December 7, 2023 expires.
  • The study permit you held on December 7, 2023, expires, unless you had a study permit extension application in progress on December 7, 2023
  • April 30, 2024

This change includes study permit holders who may not previously have met eligibility for the first temporary measure, due to the date of their Study Permit application and/or expiry of a previous study permit.

Study permit holders must meet all off-campus work eligibility requirements outlined by IRCC (including maintaining full-time studies) to work off-campus

While you are eligible, there is no limit to the number of hours you may work off campus per week from IRCC. Please check provincial law for daily and weekly maximum hours.

How Many Hours Can I Work Off-Campus? Self Assessment Tool

Use the tool below to check your eligibility for the temporary measures expanding off-campus work hours in Canada. Please review your documents closely to receive accurate results. If you have further questions, please contact the IEC. For more information visit the IRCC website.

Regular Off-Campus Work Hours Eligibility

Students who are eligible to work off campus but are not eligible for the temporary policy change are governed by IRCC’s usual off-campus work regulations. These students and all international students after December 31, 2023, are subject to the following rules:

  • During the academic term, eligible international students may work up to 20 hours per week off campus.
  • During scheduled breaks, eligible international students may work full-time hours off-campus.
  • There are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work on campus in addition to working off campus, provided the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
  • For more information on off-campus work hours and working during scheduled and unscheduled breaks, use the International Student Handouts.

For more information, please visit the IRCC website.