Is there an hours limit?
If an hours limit applies to you, IRCC's page states it. We do not print a number because it can change.
What to check
- Your permit conditions
- IRCC page, read on the day you accept a job
- Your current study status
Working while you study in Canada
Your study permit says what work you may do. Read it first, then check IRCC. This page shows you what to look for.
- Independent counselling
- Free first consultation
- Walk-in office, Brampton ON
Your permit decides what work you may do. Read it before any job offer.
A friend's permit, a blog or an employer's guess is not a substitute. Each permit has its own conditions.
Open the IRCC page (opens in a new tab)Check these three yourself
Keep a copy of each one. You will need them again when an employer, the college or a licensed professional asks.
- Your study permit and its conditions
- IRCC's page on working as an international student
- Your enrolment letter from the college
- The college's term dates, including scheduled breaks
Working off campus
Off-campus work is allowed on many study permits, with conditions. IRCC sets them and has changed them in the past.
Working off campus
Working off campus
Off-campus work is allowed on many study permits, with conditions. IRCC sets them and has changed them in the past.
What if I have more than one job?
If a limit applies, it covers all of your employers together. Employers do not coordinate for you, so keep one running total.
What to check
- A short weekly log of employer and hours
Does my study status matter?
Work permission usually depends on staying enrolled as your permit requires. Ask the college and IRCC how a lighter term affects it.
What to check
- Enrolment letter
- Your study load each term
Official sources
Hour limits and the conditions for off-campus work are described on these pages.
Pages last checked October 2026
On-campus jobs, co-op and breaks
On-campus jobs, co-op and breaks
On-campus jobs
Working for the school or on campus can follow different rules. Ask the international student office: does this job count as on campus?
Co-op placements
Some programs have co-op and some co-op placements need their own permit. Confirm in writing before your first day, and ask who signs the letter an employer asks for.
Scheduled breaks
Some permits allow different work conditions during scheduled breaks between terms. Keep the college's term dates and your enrolment letter, because an employer may ask for them. IRCC's page explains what applies.
Social Insurance Number
Apply in your first weeksSocial Insurance Number
Employers need it for payroll. Apply early, because you cannot be paid properly without it.
Usually needed: your passport, your study permit, and anything else Service Canada lists for your situation. How to apply, and what to bring, is on its page (last checked October 2026).
Pay and tax
Ask the questions before the first shift, not after the first pay.
Pay and tax
Pay and tax
Ask the questions before the first shift, not after the first pay.
Know the rate before you start
Minimum wage differs by province, and each job sets its own pay. Ask for the rate in writing, and keep your pay stubs.
Your tax slip arrives after the year ends
Your employer issues it. Many students file a tax return. The Canada Revenue Agency explains who needs to and why.
We do not give tax advice
If your tax situation is not simple, speak with a tax professional or the CRA.
Plan your budget
See real costs first.
Official source: Canada Revenue Agency (page last checked October 2026).
In order, before your first shift
In order, before your first shift
In order, before your first shift
- Step 1
Read your permit conditions
Save a copy of the document you are reading.
- Step 2
Confirm your enrolment
Know what your college expects of your study load.
- Step 3
Apply for a SIN
Do it in your first weeks.
- Step 4
Start a weekly log
Write the employer and your hours each week.
Four mistakes, and what to do instead
Four mistakes, and what to do instead
Four mistakes, and what to do instead
| Mistake | Why it goes wrong | Do this instead |
|---|---|---|
| Trusting a forum over your own permit | Your permit and IRCC's page are what count. | Read both again each term. |
| Adding up jobs the wrong way | If a limit applies, it covers all employers together. | Keep one weekly log across every job. |
| Changing your study load without asking | A lighter term can affect your work permission and later applications. | Ask the college and IRCC first. |
| Starting a co-op placement too soon | Some placements need a separate permit. | Confirm in writing before your first day. |
Who to ask about what
Pick the question, then the right person.
Who to ask about what
Who to ask about what
Pick the question, then the right person.
The international student office knows how its own campus jobs and co-op work.
- Does this job count as on campus?
- Does my program have co-op, and what do I need for it?
- Who signs the letter my employer asks for?
Questions about your own immigration case, or how work affects later applications, go to a licensed professional.
- Visa Master Canada is an RCIC partner you retain directly
- IRCC publishes the official rules
Tax questions go to the CRA or a tax professional. We do not give tax advice.
- Who needs to file a return
- What a tax slip shows
- What to keep from your employer
Immigration questions go to IRCC or a licensed professional
We are education counsellors, not RCICs. We prepare and submit your college applications with your approval. Immigration is handled only by a licensed RCIC.
Work and study questions
Plain answers. For your own permit, read it and check IRCC.
Independent advice
Study Master Canada provides education counselling and, with your approval, prepares and submits your college applications. We do not give immigration advice or prepare immigration applications. Regulated immigration work, including study permit applications, appeals, spouse work permits and PR pathways, is handled only by a licensed RCIC partner, Visa Master Canada, when you retain them directly. We are not affiliated with any government.
Talk to a counsellor before you decide
A free first conversation about programs, costs and next steps. No obligation, and you make every application yourself.
Book free counselling
Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:30pm ET. Walk-in office: Unit 1805, 83 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 3N7.