How to Work More Than 20 Hours Per Week in Canada on Study Visa

Can I work more than 20 hours per week in Canada?

Well, this is one of the most asked questions by the students living in Canada on a study permit.

The answer is NO. Any international student on a study visa is allowed to work only for 20 hours per week in Canada. If they exceed this work hour limit, they might be deported or subject to several penalties.

However, there are many ways to work more than 20 hours on your study visa.

Please watch our video for in-depth details

Here we will explain such “ways” you can use to work more than the stipulated working hours a week.

 

Look for an On-Campus Job:

First of all, look for work on your campus. If you get a job on campus, you are allowed to work any number of hours. Doing work outside the campus will restrict the work hours to 20 hours a week.

There are many on-campus jobs for students to choose from. For example, if you are an IT student, you can approach the online or technical department of your college for assistance.

You can also find work in your college library. Ask your college admin if you can help them with the paperwork of the students of your nation.

Build Your Network:

Building networks with career counselors and the International Department of Education can also help. In fact, the more you show engagement and explore job ideas on the campus, the better your chances to land a job within the campus.

Use Your Summer/Winter Vacations:

You are also allowed to do a full-time job on your study visa during your winter or summer break. Besides, you can work overtime or work 2 part-time jobs that add up to a higher than a usual number of hours.

However, you should be a full-time student both before and after the break to apply for a full-time job. But you cannot work during a break that falls before you start your very first semester.

Use the Waiting Period for the Next Course:

Another legal way to find a full-time job on your study visa is to use the time you have to wait for the next course.

For example, you have completed a certain course in August but your enrolment for the next course is scheduled for January. During that period, you are allowed to work full time for 150 days on your study visa. But you can’t do work even an extra day after that period.

So you have to cease work as soon as the 150th day is over. Using your “waiting period” unless you get to enroll in the next course is completely legal. It won’t cause any trouble. You can explain why there is a gap between and what you have done during those days.

What If I Work More Than 20 Hours Off-Campus?

Keep in mind you are not allowed to do a job more than 20 hours off-campus on your study visa. Otherwise, you can be asked to leave Canada.

Even worse, it can create problems when it comes to getting your PR or graduate work permit. Apart from that, there are some benefits you can be deprived of.

For example, TR to PR pathway is the latest option for part-time workers to apply for PR. But exceeding the work hours can ruin that chance.

One more thing—don’t think that you are not being watched.

Canada has active law enforcement agencies to keep an eye on the immigrants. Therefore, abide by the laws while studying, living, or working in Canada. And keep in mind that your primary aim is to study in Canada, not to do a job.