Working While Studying in Canada

Working while studying allows international in Canada to gain valuable work experience, earn extra income, and build professional connections. Studying in Canada offers international students more than just quality education. However, the right to work while studying is not automatic. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has strict conditions students must meet to work legally during their academic stay.

This guide provides everything you need to know about working while studying in Canada as an international student, including eligibility, hours, types of work allowed, and key obligations.

Who Can Work While Studying

Many international students in Canada are allowed to work during their studies, either on-campus, off-campus, or through co-op programs. However, work opportunities depend on your study permit conditions, enrollment status, and the type of program you’re in. The sections below explain each work option and its requirements in more detail.

On-Campus Work

International students can work on-campus without a separate work permit if they meet all the following conditions:

Have a valid study permit.
Are enrolled full-time at an eligible post-secondary institution.
Hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Eligible institutions include public colleges and universities, CEGEPs in Quebec, private colleges in Quebec that receive at least 50% of their funding from government sources and follow public college rules, and Canadian private institutions authorized to grant degrees under provincial law.

What Qualifies as On-Campus Work?

On-campus work refers to any job located within the boundaries of the school where you are enrolled. You can work for the school itself, for a faculty member, or even for student organizations. Additionally, jobs with private businesses and contractors that operate on campus also count, including self-employment conducted from within the campus grounds.

If your institution has multiple campuses within the same city, you may work at any of them. However, if your school operates campuses in different cities, you may only work at the campus where you are registered as a full-time student.

Off-Campus Work

You can work off-campus without a separate work permit if you meet the following criteria:

You have a valid study permit.
You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
Your program is academic, vocational, or professional in nature.
The program is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
You’ve already started your studies and are in good academic standing.
You have a valid SIN.

How Many Hours Can You Work?

During regular academic sessions, you may work up to 20 hours per week off-campus. During scheduled breaks—such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break—you may work full-time.

This rule ensures that students prioritize their education during active semesters while still being able to support themselves during holidays. If you are in a study program that continues year-round without formal breaks, the 20-hour-per-week limit applies throughout your enrollment.

Working While Studying in Canada in Your Final Semester

If you have always studied full-time but are part-time in your final semester because your course load no longer requires a full schedule, you may still work off-campus under the same conditions. However, once your studies end, you must stop working unless you apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP).

Who Is Not Eligible to Work Off-Campus?

Some categories of international students cannot work off-campus. These include students enrolled in general interest courses, English as a Second Language (ESL), or French as a Second Language (FSL) programs. Visiting and exchange students are also not allowed to work off-campus.

To maintain eligibility, you must continue to meet all the conditions of your study permit. If any condition is violated—such as withdrawing from classes or dropping to part-time status mid-program—you must stop working immediately.

Combining On-Campus and Off-Campus Jobs

There are no regulations preventing you from working while studying in Canada both on-campus and off-campus simultaneously. For example, you could work 20 hours per week off-campus and also work on-campus if your schedule permits. However, your academic performance should remain strong, as failing to maintain full-time status may affect your eligibility to work.

Impact of Institutional Strikes or Closures

If your institution goes on strike or temporarily suspends operations during a semester, the IRCC does not allow international students to exceed the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work. The rules remain unchanged even during institutional disruptions. You must continue to adhere strictly to IRCC guidelines.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Requirements

Before starting any job in Canada, you must apply for a SIN. This number is required by law for all employees in the country. You can apply for a SIN if:

You have a valid study permit.
Your permit clearly states you are eligible to work in Canada.

You’ll need to present your passport, study permit, and proof of enrollment or job offer to apply.

Co-op and Internship Work Permits

Certain programs include mandatory co-op placements or internships as part of their curriculum. In such cases, students must apply for a co-op or intern work permit in addition to their regular study permit.

To be eligible, you must hold a valid study permit and be enrolled in a program that includes required work experience. Your school must confirm that the internship is a mandatory part of your academic program. Also, the internship or co-op component cannot account for more than 50% of your total program duration.

Why Co-op Programs Matter

Co-op and internship programs allow students to apply what they learn in class to real-world job settings. Many Canadian institutions offer co-op options where students alternate semesters between study and paid work. This provides hands-on experience, income during the school term, and valuable professional networking opportunities.

Work After Graduation

Once you complete your study program, you can continue to work off-campus if you still hold a valid study permit and have applied for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) within 90 days of program completion.

While waiting for your PGWP decision, you may continue working. However, if the application is denied, you must stop working immediately. The PGWP can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program. It serves as a pathway to Canadian permanent residence, as Canadian work experience is highly valued in many immigration streams.

Get Expert Immigration Assistance with Dara Immigration Services (DIS)

Are you looking to Study in Canada?

At Dara Immigration Services (DIS), we understand that navigating the immigration process can be complex. Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, work permit, study permit, or permanent residency, we will guide you every step of the way. From helping you understand the application process to ensuring all necessary documents are in order, we provide the personalized support you need to succeed.

Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to Dara Immigration Services (DIS) today, and let us help you take the next step toward your Canadian dream.