To work in Canada, most foreign workers need to obtain a work permit before they can work in Canada.
Working as a freelancer/contractor while studying full time
By: incominguser on May 05, 2023 10:02 AM EST
Hey everyone, so I currently work as a freelancer/contractor for a US based client who has no presence in Canada. Since it is a complete remote job I was wondering if I can keep working while I start my course this September and since its stated here https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html, that if you remotely work for an employer outside of Canada then it isn't counted towards 20 hours but would this mean that I can work 40 hours as I do currently. Also, I understand that I will be liable to pay taxes so any help or tips would be great. Thanks in advance!
By: maryannlee888 on May 28, 2025 01:14 AM EST
Congrats on starting your program this September. I’ve freelanced for a US client while doing full-time studies in Canada, and here’s what I learned:
According to IRCC, “off-campus work” limits (20 hrs/week) only apply to Canadian employers—so hours you spend working remotely for a non-Canadian client aren’t counted toward that cap. In practice, as long as you maintain full-time student status at a DLI, you can continue billing 40 hours weekly to your US client.
On the tax side, you’ll be considered self-employed in Canada. Make sure to:
Get (or use) your SIN.
Register a CRA Business Number if you don’t already have one.
Keep meticulous records of invoices, hours, and business expenses.
File your T1 self-employment return by the end of April.
Budget for CPP contributions and, if your net tax owing exceeds $3,000, quarterly instalment payments.
Personally, I track everything in a simple cloud bookkeeping tool and set aside a percentage of each payment for taxes. Hope that helps—good luck with your course and your freelancing!
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