Part-Time Work and Co-op Programs in Canada
Work hours, co-op permits, SIN requirements, minimum wages, and practical tips for Nepali students working in Canada.
Working while you study in Canada is not just allowed — it is expected. Most international students hold part-time jobs during their programs, and many participate in co-op or internship placements that are built into their curriculum. The income helps offset living costs, and the Canadian work experience you gain feeds directly into your PGWP job search and eventual PR application.
Understanding the rules is essential, though. Canada has specific regulations about how many hours you can work, what kind of work permits you need, and what paperwork must be in place before you start. Breaking these rules — even accidentally — can put your study permit and future immigration plans at risk.
Part-Time Work Rules: Hours and Eligibility
Nepali students in Canada can work up to 20 hours/week during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, with the 20-hour limit reinstated as of 2025.
During Academic Terms
- Maximum hours: 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions
- You must be enrolled full-time at a DLI
- Your study permit must include a condition that says you are allowed to work off-campus, or you must be at a DLI that qualifies its students for off-campus work
- You do not need a separate work permit for this type of employment
During Scheduled Breaks
- You can work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks (winter break, summer break, reading weeks) as long as you were a full-time student before the break and intend to continue full-time after
- This is when many students take on extra shifts or temporary full-time positions to boost their savings
Note: In late 2024, the Canadian government temporarily lifted the 20-hour cap, allowing students to work more hours during academic terms. However, the 20-hour limit has been reinstated as of 2025. Do not rely on outdated information suggesting unlimited hours during terms.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Work
On-campus work requires no separate permit and has no hour cap, while off-campus work for Nepali students in Canada is capped at 20 hours/week during terms and requires a SIN.
On-Campus Work
On-campus work means working for the institution where you are enrolled, for a faculty member, for a student organization, or for a private contractor providing services on campus (such as the campus cafeteria).
- No separate work permit needed
- No hour restriction (though most campus jobs are part-time by nature)
- Good option for students who want to work without navigating off-campus employment rules
- Common roles: library assistant, lab assistant, campus tour guide, cafeteria staff, teaching assistant
Off-Campus Work
Off-campus work means working for any employer outside your institution.
- 20-hour weekly limit during terms, unlimited during scheduled breaks
- You must be enrolled full-time at a DLI
- You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before you can start working
- Common jobs: retail, food service, tutoring, delivery, warehouse, customer service
Getting Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)
Nepali students must obtain a 9-digit SIN from Service Canada before starting any paid work in Canada; the number is issued immediately at a Service Canada office with your passport and study permit.
How to get your SIN:
- Visit a Service Canada office in person after arriving in Canada.
- Bring your valid study permit (it must show that you are allowed to work, or you must be at a DLI that qualifies for off-campus work) and your passport.
- The SIN is issued immediately at the office — no waiting period.
- Your SIN may start with the number 9, indicating it is temporary and tied to the validity of your study permit.
Important: Get your SIN as soon as you arrive. Do not wait until you find a job. Having it ready means you can start working immediately when an opportunity comes up.
Co-op and Internship Programs
Co-ops are paid full-time work placements (CAD 15-25/hour) built into Canadian programs, giving Nepali students professional experience, income, and references that strengthen both PGWP job searches and PR applications.
How Co-ops Work
- The co-op placement is a mandatory part of your program — you cannot graduate without completing it.
- You work full-time (typically 35-40 hours per week) during your co-op term.
- Co-op terms usually last 4 months each. A 2-year diploma program might include 1-2 co-op terms.
- You are paid for your work. Co-op salaries vary by field and province, but many students earn CAD 15-25 per hour or more.
Co-op Work Permit
Unlike regular part-time work, co-op and internship placements require a separate co-op work permit. This is in addition to your study permit.
- You can only apply for it if your program has a mandatory co-op or work placement component.
- The work permit is issued for the duration of your co-op placement.
- You apply for it through IRCC, usually after you receive your study permit.
- The co-op work permit fee is included when you apply simultaneously with your study permit.
Why Co-ops Matter for Your Career and PR
- Canadian professional references that strengthen your resume
- Industry connections that can lead to full-time job offers after graduation
- Skilled work experience that may count toward your Express Entry CRS score
- Income during your studies that reduces your financial burden
When selecting a college or university, ask specifically about co-op availability in your program. Institutions like Conestoga College, Seneca Polytechnic, and BCIT are known for strong co-op programs.
Minimum Wage Across Provinces
Canadian provincial minimum wages range from CAD 15.00 to CAD 17.40/hour, directly affecting how much Nepali students earn from part-time work.
| Province | Minimum Wage (CAD/hr) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | CAD 16.55 |
| British Columbia | CAD 17.40 |
| Alberta | CAD 15.00 |
| Manitoba | CAD 15.80 |
| Saskatchewan | CAD 15.00 |
| Nova Scotia | CAD 15.20 |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | CAD 15.60 |
Rates shown are approximate for 2026 and may be updated. Always check the current provincial rate.
At 20 hours per week during an academic term, earning minimum wage in Ontario (CAD 16.55/hr), you would earn approximately CAD 1,324 per month before taxes. During a full-time summer break at 40 hours per week, that rises to approximately CAD 2,648 per month. This income makes a meaningful contribution to covering your living expenses.
Practical Tips for Finding Work
- Start with your campus. Your institution's career services office is the easiest place to find both on-campus jobs and off-campus job listings.
- Use job boards. Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, and the Government of Canada Job Bank are the most commonly used platforms.
- Network through co-op coordinators. If your program includes a co-op component, your institution's co-op office manages employer relationships and job postings.
- Ask other Nepali students. The Nepali student community at your institution will know which employers are hiring and what the experience is like.
- Avoid cash-only jobs. Working “under the table” violates your study permit conditions and can jeopardize your immigration status. Always work legally with proper documentation.
Taxes and Filing Requirements
Nepali students earning income in Canada must file a tax return by April 30 each year, though most part-time earners owe nothing because the basic personal amount is approximately CAD 15,705.
- Tax filing deadline is April 30 each year for the previous calendar year's income.
- You may not owe any tax. Canada has a basic personal amount of approximately CAD 15,705 (2026 estimate). If your total annual income is below this threshold, you will not owe federal income tax.
- File your return to get a refund. If taxes were deducted from your paycheques and your total income is below the personal exemption, you will receive a refund when you file.
- Tax filing history supports your PR application. Consistent tax filings demonstrate that you have been a contributing member of Canadian society, which strengthens your overall immigration profile.
- Use free tax software. Programs like Wealthsimple Tax and TurboTax offer free filing for simple returns.
Rules to Follow: Protecting Your Study Permit
Exceeding work-hour limits can result in study permit revocation, PGWP denial, and inadmissibility for future Canadian immigration applications, which Nepali students must treat as non-negotiable.
- Your study permit can be revoked.
- You may be denied a PGWP after graduation.
- You could be deemed inadmissible for future Canadian immigration applications, including PR.
The consequences are not hypothetical. IRCC does verify compliance, and border officers can ask about your work history when you re-enter Canada after travel. Follow the rules, keep records of your hours, and when in doubt, work fewer hours rather than more. Your long-term immigration outcome is worth far more than a few extra shifts.