Part-Time Jobs in Canada for Nepali Students
International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions (raised from 20 hours) and full-time during scheduled breaks. Provincial minimum wages range CAD 16.60-18.25/hour depending on province.
Work Hour Rules — the 24-Hour Cap
International students with a valid study permit can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions — this is a hard weekly cap, not an average across weeks and not per employer. You can hold multiple jobs to make up the 24 hours, but working 28 hours one week and 20 the next is still a violation in the 28-hour week, even though the two-week average is under the cap.
During scheduled breaks — summer (typically May-August), winter break, and reading week — the 24-hour cap doesn't apply and you can work full-time. On-campus work has no separate hour limit at all, so combining an unlimited on-campus role with 24 hours of off-campus work is legal.
Minimum Wage by Province
| Province | Minimum wage | Monthly at 24 hrs/week |
|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | CAD 18.25/hr | ~CAD 1,896 (~NPR 204,200) |
| Ontario | CAD 17.60/hr (→17.95 from Oct 1, 2026) | ~CAD 1,829 (~NPR 197,000) |
| Alberta | CAD 15.00/hr | ~CAD 1,559 (~NPR 167,900) |
| Quebec | CAD 16.60/hr | ~CAD 1,725 (~NPR 185,800) |
Working the full 24-hour cap at a typical CAD 17-18/hour rate earns roughly CAD 1,800-1,900/month (approximately NPR 194,000-205,000), which meaningfully offsets living costs but is not designed to cover tuition — Canadian study permits require proof of separate funds for that.
Realistic Job Types
| Job type | Typical pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Retail (grocery, clothing stores) | Minimum wage - CAD 1-2/hr above | Widely available, especially in malls near campuses |
| Food service (Tim Hortons, restaurants) | Minimum wage + tips | Fast hiring, flexible shifts around classes |
| Warehouse/logistics (Amazon, Canada Post seasonal) | CAD 18-22/hr | Higher pay, physically demanding, good for winter/summer break full-time hours |
| On-campus roles (library, dining, TA/RA) | CAD 16-25/hr | No hour cap, counted separately from the 24-hour off-campus limit |
| Co-op/internship placements | CAD 20-30/hr | Part of many Canadian diploma/degree programs, doesn't count against the 24-hour cap since it's a mandatory academic component |
Common Mistakes That Risk Your Study Permit
The most common violation is misunderstanding the cap as an average rather than a hard weekly limit — working 30 hours one week to "bank" for a lighter week later is still a violation in the 30-hour week. IRCC does not average hours across weeks or months.
A second mistake is continuing to work full 24-hour weeks while on academic probation or part-time course load, since eligibility for off-campus work generally requires being enrolled full-time in an eligible program. A third is taking cash-in-hand work without a Social Insurance Number (SIN) — this is both a tax problem later and, if the employer isn't reporting it, can look like unauthorized work if questioned.
Popular fields of study in Canada
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Frequently asked questions
How many hours can international students work in Canada now?
Up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, raised from the previous 20-hour limit. This is a strict weekly cap — it cannot be averaged across multiple weeks, and it applies to your combined hours across all off-campus jobs.
Does the 24-hour cap apply to on-campus jobs too?
No. On-campus employment has no separate hour cap under IRCC rules. The 24-hour limit is specifically for off-campus work.
Can I work full-time during summer break?
Yes. During scheduled academic breaks — summer, winter break, and reading week — the 24-hour off-campus cap doesn't apply, so you can work full-time (40+ hours/week) as long as you intend to return to your studies afterward.
Do I need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work in Canada?
Yes, for any legal paid work, on- or off-campus. Apply for a SIN through Service Canada as soon as you arrive — most banks and employers will ask for it before your first paycheque.
What happens if I work more than 24 hours in a week?
You've violated your study permit conditions for that week, even if you work fewer hours the following week to compensate. Repeated or serious violations can lead to loss of student status, and may affect future Canadian visa or permanent residency applications.
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