Canada’s New 2025 Work Rules Every International Students - Work in Canada While Studying

If you’re studying in Canada in 2025 as an international student, there’s good news—you can work part-time during school and full-time during breaks. But with this freedom comes important rules you must follow. Understanding Canada’s student work limits is essential to protect your immigration status and future opportunities.

This guide breaks down everything clearly—no jargon, just facts. Whether you want a part-time job to cover living expenses or to gain Canadian work experience, here’s how to stay compliant in 2025.

Quick Overview: Canada Work Hour Rules 2025

Let’s start with a clear summary of what you can and cannot do:

Key Information	Details
Weekly Work Limit (Term Time)	Up to 24 hours per week off-campus
Full-Time Work Eligibility	Allowed during scheduled school breaks
Eligibility Requirements	Full-time student at a DLI; program ≥ 6 months
Study Permit Condition	Must state you’re allowed to work
Social Insurance Number (SIN)	Required before starting any job
Official Resource	Visit Canada.ca for updates

Why Student Work Hour Rules Matter

These rules are not just guidelines—they’re part of your immigration status. Breaking them can result in:

Losing your study permit
Becoming ineligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Receiving a removal order from Canada

Canada offers flexibility, but only if you follow the system properly.

Are You Allowed to Work in Canada?

Before jumping into job applications, ask yourself: Am I eligible to work as an international student?

Here are the three requirements:

1. You Must Be Enrolled at a DLI

To work off-campus, you must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). Your study program must:

Be at least 6 months long
Lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate

If your school or program doesn’t meet these requirements, off-campus work may not be permitted.

2. Your Study Permit Must Say You Can Work

Your study permit should include a condition like:
“May work 24 hours per week off-campus” or
“May accept employment on or off-campus”

If your permit doesn’t say this, you need to apply to IRCC to amend your study permit before you start working.

3. You Need a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

A SIN is mandatory for any legal employment in Canada. To get your SIN, apply through Service Canada. You’ll need:

A valid study permit showing you can work
Possibly a proof of enrollment from your school

You can apply online or by visiting a Service Canada office.

Your Weekly Work Limit: 24 Hours Off-Campus

In 2025, international students are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session.

Important Notes:

You can combine multiple jobs, as long as the total is within 24 hours.
Example: 12 hours at a restaurant + 10 hours tutoring = 22 hours (OK)
Exceeding even 1 hour can lead to penalties.

The 24-hour rule applies per week, not per job or employer.

Working Full-Time During School Breaks

You’re allowed to work full-time during scheduled school breaks like:

Winter holidays
Spring break
Summer vacation

Conditions:

You must have been a full-time student before the break
You must plan to return to full-time studies after the break

Example:
If your spring break is from March 10 to March 20, you can work full-time only during that period. Work limits resume when classes restart.

Final Semester? You May Still Qualify

If you’re in your final semester and taking a part-time course load (because that’s all you need to graduate), you can still work off-campus up to 24 hours per week.

This exception is allowed only if:

You were previously a full-time student
Your program’s final semester requirements permit part-time studies

On-Campus Work: No Hour Limits

If you find a job on-campus, there’s no cap on hours—even during the school term or breaks.

However:

Not all institutions offer on-campus work options
Check with your school’s *international office or HR department

Staying Compliant: How to Avoid Mistakes

Even accidental rule-breaking can cause serious immigration issues. Here’s how to stay safe:

Check Your Study Permit Details

Look for a statement that confirms your work eligibility. If it’s missing, contact IRCC to get it corrected before working.

Get Your SIN Before You Work

Apply online or in person through Service Canada. Have these ready:

Your study permit with work authorization
Proof of enrollment if asked

Apply here: Service Canada SIN Application

Track Your Hours Weekly

Use a spreadsheet, calendar, or work tracker app to log hours. You are responsible for ensuring you don’t exceed the 24-hour weekly limit.

Use Campus Career Services

Your school’s career centre can help with:

Finding part-time jobs
Resume writing and interview coaching
Connecting with employers who understand student work restrictions

When in Doubt, Ask

If you’re unsure whether a job or number of hours is allowed, reach out to:

Your international student advisor
The official Canada immigration website
A licensed immigration consultant or lawyer

What Happens If You Break the Rules?

Even a small mistake can lead to big consequences, such as:

PGWP refusal — You may not be allowed to stay and work after graduation
A mark on your immigration file
A possible removal order from Canada

Don’t take chances. Always check before accepting more hours or changing jobs.

Common Mistakes International Students Make

Working before getting a SIN
Starting a job without checking permit conditions
Exceeding the 24-hour limit by holding multiple part-time jobs
Assuming breaks like reading week are “vacation” when they’re not officially scheduled
Failing to remain enrolled full-time

Tips for Success as a Student Worker in Canada

Start looking for jobs early each semester
Be honest with your employer about your hour limits
Use tax software to file your annual return (you may be eligible for tax refunds)
Keep copies of your job contracts and timesheets