International students staying in Canada for the summer may have some questions about finding employment while they wait for the fall semester.
International students are only allowed to work in Canada without a separate work permit if they have work authorization on their study permit. This work authorization will indicate whether the study permit holder is permitted to work on campus, off campus, or both.
Note: International students without work authorization are not allowed to work in Canada.
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What is Canada’s policy on working hours as an international student?
International students should begin their job search by understanding the work hours policy implemented by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) changes. These changes depend on the time of year.
More specifically, it is important to know that the summer months are usually considered a “scheduled break” in the academic calendar, unless an international student chooses (or must) take classes during this period.
The reason this distinction is important is because IRCC allows international students to work 40 hours or more per week during scheduled academic breaks. As of now, the policy is back to 20 hours a week and goes to 24 hours in the fall.
IRCC’s new 24-hour-a-week policy will replace the interim policy adopted in October 2022, which allowed international students with an off-campus work authorization to work more than 20 hours a week while classes were in session . IRCC’s interim policy ended on 30 April 2024.
Note: According to IRCC, this summer, before the new policy goes into effect, students on a planned academic leave can continue to work unlimited hours.
Therefore, international students are often keen to understand how summer employment in Canada works so that they can take advantage of this time to earn money to support themselves.
What kind of work can I do?
As long as they meet the eligibility requirements to work on or off campus (more details to follow below), international students can pursue any type of summer employment.
For ideas on what jobs to pursue as an international student, click here for some of the top jobs for international students in Canada last year.
Do I need a work permit?
No. Instead, to qualify for on-campus work without a work permit, international students must:
- Have a valid study permit or maintained status
- Studies have started*
- Have work authorization in the study permit
- Be a full-time post-secondary student at an eligible institution
- You have a social security number (SIN)
Click here for more information from IRCC about working on campus as an international student, including where international students can work on campus and for whom they can work, as well as the conditions related to when international students must stop working on campus.
Meanwhile, international students seeking to work off-campus without a work permit must meet the following conditions to qualify:
- Become a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
- Be enrolled in a qualifying study program** that is at least 6 months in length and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate
- Studies have started*
- You have a sin
*According to IRCC policy, international students can only start working in Canada once their study program has started. This means that they cannot work before starting their studies.
**To be eligible, international students must be enrolled in either an academic, vocational or post-secondary vocational training program or a secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
Note: Part-time students are eligible for off-campus work under specific conditions. For more information on working off-campus as an international student, visit this IRCC website.
What documents do I need to work in Canada?
Typically, international students will need many of the same documents as any other Canadian job applicant, with a few exceptions.
Beyond CVs and cover letters, which are two important components of the job search process for international students. They may need to show proof of their work authorization to verify that they are legally allowed to work in Canada as part of their job interview or onboarding process.
Visit this dedicated website to learn more about creating a Canadian-style resume.
What is a SIN and how do I get one?
Most importantly, however, international students remember that they require a SIN to work in Canada.
SINs are individual and unique nine-digit numbers provided to eligible Canadians, permanent residents and temporary residents. While this is not a “document” in the same way as a resume, all workers in Canada require a SIN to secure employment.
Visit this Government of Canada website to learn more about applying for a SIN.
What if I face challenges at work?
International students, like any other foreign national in Canada, have the same rights as Canadian-born workers as it relates to fair and equitable treatment in the workplace.
Specifically, there is legislation in place from the Canadian government, including the Canada Labor Code and the Employment Equity Act, that outline the rights afforded to foreign workers in this country.
These rights include:
- Being compensated for their work
- Having a safe workplace
- Be able to hold a passport and work permit
Click here for a dedicated website outlining the rights of foreign workers in Canada.
Also, visit this link to better understand your employer’s obligations regarding workplace health and safety, maintaining an abuse-free workplace, and Canadian employers’ duty to adapt.
The more informed you are as a foreign national, including as an international student, the better you will be able to prepare for work in Canada.
Where can I go for more information?
For more information on summer employment as an international student in Canada, visit any available online resource, including the following websites:
Additionally, your post-secondary institution will have an office you can visit and resources you can access to learn more about working as an international student. Contact your university or college as soon as possible to learn more in time to secure employment this summer.
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