Travailler en etudiant au Canada 2026

Working while studying in Canada is not just allowed — it is expected. Over 70% of international students in Canada hold some form of employment during their studies. The Canadian government encourages this through clear work authorization rules tied to your study permit. You can earn money, gain Canadian work experience, and build professional networks that matter after graduation. This guide explains every work option available to international students in 2026.

As of 2024, eligible full-time students at designated learning institutions (DLIs) can work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. This applies automatically. For co-op and internship programs, you need a co-op work permit issued alongside your study permit.

For a full overview of studying in Canada, see our Canada study guide. For what comes after graduation, see our PGWP and PR pathway guide.

Off-Campus Work: The 20-Hour Rule

Eligibility

• You hold a valid study permit.
• You are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Your program leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate of at least six months.
• You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Your study permit includes the work authorization condition.

Students in ESL or FSL programs, general interest courses, or admission preparation courses are not eligible.

Hours and Scheduling

During regular academic sessions: maximum 20 hours per week (Monday to Sunday). During scheduled breaks (summer, winter, spring): unlimited hours. The 20-hour limit is strict per calendar week. IRCC checks employment records. Violations can result in loss of student status or deportation.

On-Campus Work

On-campus work (library, cafeteria, bookstore, research lab) does not count toward the 20-hour off-campus limit. Most campus jobs offer 5–15 hours per week at minimum wage to CAD$18/hour. Popular positions:

• Teaching assistant (TA): CAD$15–$30/hour
• Research assistant (RA): CAD$18–$35/hour
• Library assistant: Minimum wage
• Campus food services: Minimum wage + tips
• Peer tutor: CAD$15–$20/hour

Co-op and Internship Work Permits

Programs with mandatory co-op or internship components require a co-op work permit. Apply for it alongside your study permit. You need a letter from your DLI confirming the mandatory work component. No separate fee when applied together.

Co-op Salaries

Field	4-Month Salary	Hourly
Software Engineering	CAD$8,000–$16,000	CAD$25–$50
Business / Finance	CAD$6,000–$12,000	CAD$18–$35
Engineering	CAD$7,000–$13,000	CAD$22–$40
Science / Research	CAD$5,500–$10,000	CAD$17–$30
Marketing	CAD$5,000–$9,000	CAD$15–$28

Top co-op employers: Shopify, RBC, TD Bank, Deloitte, KPMG, Amazon (Vancouver), Google (Waterloo and Toronto).

Getting Your Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Apply at a Service Canada office in person. Bring: study permit with work condition, passport, letter of acceptance. The SIN is issued the same day at no cost. Your SIN starts with 9 (temporary resident) and expires with your study permit.

Minimum Wage by Province (2026)

Province	Minimum Wage
British Columbia	CAD$17.85/hour
Alberta	CAD$15.00/hour
Ontario	CAD$17.20/hour
Quebec	CAD$16.10/hour
Nova Scotia	CAD$15.70/hour
Manitoba	CAD$15.80/hour

Taxes for International Students

• Basic personal amount: First CAD$15,705 is tax-free (federal). Most part-time students pay zero federal tax.
• Tuition tax credit: 15% of tuition fees. CAD$20,000 tuition = CAD$3,000 tax reduction. Unused credits carry forward.
• GST/HST credit: Up to ~CAD$500/year for low-income residents.
• Filing: Use free software (Wealthsimple Tax, TurboTax). You need T4 slips and T2202 tuition certificate. File by April 30.

Finding a Job

1. University career portal: Best starting point. Employers expect to hire students.
2. Indeed.ca: Canada's largest job board. Filter by "part-time."
3. LinkedIn: Essential for co-op and professional roles.
4. Campus career fairs: September and January. Bring printed resumes.
5. Networking: Ask professors and classmates for referrals.
6. Walk-in applications: For food service and retail jobs.
7. Staffing agencies: Randstad, Robert Half, Adecco.

Common Part-Time Jobs

• Food service: Minimum wage + tips. Flexible scheduling.
• Retail: Minimum wage to CAD$18/hour.
• Tutoring: CAD$20–$40/hour.
• Delivery: DoorDash, Uber Eats. ~CAD$15–$22/hour.
• Freelancing: Web development, design. CAD$30+/hour.
• Customer service: CAD$16–$22/hour.

Income Estimate

At 20 hours/week at Ontario minimum wage (CAD$17.20): ~CAD$1,376/month gross, ~CAD$1,200–$1,300 net. Full-time summer work: ~CAD$2,750/month gross.

What Not to Do

• Do not exceed 20 hours/week during the semester.
• Do not work without a SIN.
• Do not start working before your program begins.
• Do not forget to file your tax return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in Canada on a student visa?

Yes. A valid study permit with work authorization allows 20 hours/week off campus during sessions and unlimited hours during breaks.

Do I need a separate work permit?

No, unless your program includes mandatory co-op placements.

How much can I earn part-time?

At minimum wage with 20 hours/week: CAD$1,200–$1,400/month. Higher-paying jobs: CAD$1,600–$2,000/month.

Can I freelance on a student visa?

Yes, within the 20-hour limit. Report the income on your tax return.

What is a SIN?

A nine-digit identifier for employment and tax. Free, issued same day at Service Canada.

Do I pay taxes?

Taxes are deducted from paycheques. If annual income is below CAD$15,705, you get a full federal refund.

Can I work full-time in summer?

Yes, if summer is listed as a scheduled break and you return to full-time study in fall.

What if I exceed 20 hours?

IRCC can refuse permit renewal, issue a removal order, or flag your file for future applications.