International students studying in Canada have the opportunity to work on and off campus while pursuing their education, often without the need for a work permit. If eligible, students can work unlimited hours on campus and up to 24 hours per week off campus. However, it is essential to obtain authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before engaging in any work activities. This authorization will be specified in the conditions of the student’s study permit.

Violating the conditions of the study permit can have serious consequences, including jeopardizing student status, future work permits, or study permits, and potential removal from Canada. To work in Canada, students must also obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN), a unique nine-digit identifier necessary for employment, tax reporting, and accessing government benefits.

Prior to commencing any on-campus or off-campus employment, students must wait until their courses have officially begun. This article will delve into the eligibility criteria for on and off-campus employment, remote work options, considerations for internships and co-op placements, and the rules surrounding authorized leave from studies.

• On-campus work refers to employment within the physical boundaries of the educational institution, such as the student center, library, or cafeteria.
• Off-campus work encompasses jobs outside the campus premises, including local businesses, stores, and self-employment opportunities like Uber driving, pet sitting, or tutoring.
• Remote work involves working for an employer located outside Canada with no ties to the Canadian labor market.

The regulations and permissible hours for on and off-campus work are outlined in the table below:

Work conditions	Number of hours allowed per week	Conditions
On campus	Unlimited	-Work is restricted to your campus of study, unless exemption criteria are met.