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
Regular Off-Campus Work Hours Eligibility

What Do I Need to Know?

Your study permit is the document that allows you to work in Canada. To be eligible to work in Canada, your study permit must include a remark that starts with the below. Please review this remark on your study permit carefully to understand the rules around your ability to work.
1. May accept employment…
2. May work…
International students may only begin working in Canada after they have started their classes.
Students must hold a valid Social Insurance Number to begin work.
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:

on the day you stop studying full-time
when your study permit expires (unless you have maintained status)
if you’re on an authorized leave/unscheduled break from your studies
if you’re switching schools and aren’t currently studying

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

Regular Off-Campus Work Hours Eligibility

As of November 8, 2024, IRCC has announced that international students who meet all off-campus work eligibility requirements can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session. This is an increase from the previous 20 hours per week.

Students who are eligible to work off-campus are governed by IRCC’s usual off-campus work regulations.

During the academic term, eligible international students may work up to 24 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.

International Education Centre