CANADA · CHAPTER 15
Working whileyou study in Canada.
Eligible full-time students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular sessions and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. You need a work condition on your permit and a SIN. Co-op work terms require a separate co-op work permit.
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- Off campus in term
- 24 hours / week
- Scheduled breaks
- Unlimited
Conditions
- Full-time at a DLI
- Programme at least 6 months, leading to a credential
- Work condition on permit
- SIN
- No off-campus work during authorised leave
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Rules to stay compliant
- You must be a full-time student in an eligible programme
- Up to 24 hours a week off campus during academic sessions
- Full time during scheduled breaks
- On-campus work has no weekly cap for eligible students
- Co-op work permits are separate and required for mandatory work terms
- Stop working off campus if you drop to part-time studies (except in your final term)
Tax on what you earn
You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work. Employers deduct income tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance. File a T1 income tax return for each year you live in Canada, normally by 30 April, even if you earned little: you may get a refund, and filing makes you eligible for the GST/HST credit and some provincial benefits.
Your institution issues a T2202 for eligible tuition. Tuition amounts can reduce federal tax and unused amounts can be carried forward to years when you earn more.
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Minimum wage is set by each province and changes yearly; it is the same for students as for other workers. Check your province's employment standards page.
Yes, if they are resident for tax purposes, which most full-time students living in Canada are. File by 30 April each year; you may receive a refund and the GST/HST credit.
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