Immigration Corner | Can international students in Canada work as influencers or freelancers?

Dear Miss Powell,

I am a Jamaican studying in Canada who used to do online work as an influencer. Can I continue to do that with a study permit without getting into trouble? Am I still restricted to 20 hours of work in total or can I do part-time work at a Tim Hortons and continue with my online work without breaching any rules. Looking forward to your guidance. Thank you very much.

MM

Dear MM,

As an international student in Canada, you are permitted to work both on and off campus while completing your studies. Your study permit will clearly indicate the industries that you are prohibited.

Under the revised regulations, students enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution may now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during the academic session. This represents an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, you may work full-time off campus.

TYPES OF WORK

Working locally during your study period is an opportunity to not just supplement your income but to gain Canadian experience and help prepare you to better integrate into the local community, should you wish to live permanently in Canada after your studies.

On-campus employment continues to be unlimited. Which means that if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can work any number of hours for the university, a faculty member, or a business operating directly on the school’s campus. This flexibility has made on-campus jobs a popular choice for students seeking to balance studies and employment.

Additionally, Canada recognises the evolving nature of work in the digital age and have provisions to address this. If you operate online as a content creator, influencer, or freelancer for international clients or companies, this activity is generally not considered “work in Canada”. As long as your clients and payments come from outside the country, and your services are not directed to the Canadian labour market, you may continue such work without being restricted by the 24-hour cap.

However, if your influencer partnerships, or freelance contracts involve Canadian companies, or Canadian-based sponsorships, that income may be considered “work in Canada” and would therefore fall under the 24-hour weekly limit during study periods.

DUTY TO THE CANADA REVENUE AGENCY

Although you did not mention tax returns, I thought it prudent to highlight that regardless of where your clients or sponsors are located, you have a duty to report all income to the Canada Revenue Agency. Most international students are considered tax residents while studying in Canada. Therefore, you must declare income earned online or through freelancing, whether paid from Canada or abroad. If you are self-employed, you may also need to keep records of business expenses and file an annual return.

PATHWAY TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE

As an international student, you may wish to remain in Canada and pursue one of the pathways to permanent residence. You should note that while working unlimited hours on campus or freelancing for overseas clients can significantly increase your income and professional experience, not all types of work will count toward permanent residence pathways. Only certain kinds of Canadian work experience, typically under valid work authorisation and in recognised occupations, may be used to qualify for programmes such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programmes.

The key information to remember is that working in Canada while studying can be both rewarding and empowering. The new 24-hour rule provides flexibility, while the ability to work online for global clients reflects Canada’s commitment to modern work realities. Be sure to respect your study permit conditions, file your taxes accurately, and seek direct professional advice especially if you plan to expand your business or apply for permanent residence in the future.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and author of Tell me a Story, Grandma. Connect with her via Facebook, www.deidrepowell.com or WhatsApp/ Telephone 613-695-8777.