5 Essential Rights Every International Student in Canada Should Know

Discover the five key rights that international students in Canada are entitled to, including general rights, education rights, housing rights, work rights, and access to legal support. Understanding these rights will help you protect yourself and make the most of your experience studying abroad.  

1. General Rights

As an international student in Canada, you are protected under the same fundamental rights as citizens and temporary residents, including:  

- Freedom of speech

- Freedom of peaceful assembly  

- Freedom of religion 

- The right to communicate with your home country’s consulate

- The presumption of innocence until proven guilty 

- Protection from unlawful search and seizure

- Equal protection under the law

These rights ensure that you can live and study in a safe environment while confidently handling legal or social situations.  

2. Education Rights

In Canada, international students have the right to express their religious beliefs, gender identity, and sexual orientation within school campuses. If you ever feel that your rights have been violated, you can seek assistance from the student union or your school's ombudsperson.  

Additionally, your personal information is protected by law. Schools cannot share your private data—including with your parents—without your consent.  

If you engage in research projects, you may also have intellectual property rights over your work, depending on the agreement with your institution.  

3. Housing Rights

3.1 Important Things to Remember When Renting a Home

- Your credit history from another country is usually not recognized in Canada.  

- Landlords cannot ask for a deposit before you sign a lease.  

- Never rent a property without viewing it first. If you cannot visit in person, ask a trusted person to check it for you via a video call.  

- You may be asked to pay a higher security deposit due to your lack of local credit history, typically ranging from one to two months’ rent.  

3.2 Tenant Rights in Canada

- Landlord Entry Restrictions: A landlord cannot enter your home without written notice (usually at least 24 hours in advance). Entering without notice in a non-emergency situation may be considered trespassing.  

- Lease Termination Protection: Your landlord cannot terminate your lease before the end of the agreement without legal justification.  

- Rent Control: Rent cannot be increased mid-lease unless specific conditions apply (e.g., adding a roommate, adopting a pet, or major building renovations).  

- Anti-Discrimination Laws: Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on family status, race, color, nationality, sexual orientation, gender, or disability.  

4. Work Rights

International students in Canada are protected from workplace discrimination. Key protections include:  

- The right to earn at least the minimum wage set by the province or territory.  

- Equal treatment compared to other employees in the same position.  

- Protection against unfair dismissal or penalties without valid legal grounds.  

Additionally, ensure you understand the maximum number of work hours permitted for international students to comply with Canadian labor laws.  

5. Access to Legal Support 

If you face legal issues, you may be eligible for free or low-cost legal assistance from your school’s legal office. These services can help you with rental agreements, employment contracts, and student visa concerns.  

Conclusion

Understanding these five essential rights will empower you to navigate life in Canada with confidence. By being informed, you can protect yourself in education, work, and daily living. Canada offers a world-class education system, ensuring that international students can thrive and focus on their personal and academic growth.