Guide
Can International Students Work in Canada?
Last updated: September 2026
Canada splits student work rights into distinct categories — on-campus, off-campus, mandatory co-op placements, and post-graduation work — each with its own rules. This is more granular than the UK's single work-hours condition, so it's worth understanding which category applies to you before you take on any job.
On-campus work
Many international students can work on campus without a separate work permit, provided their Study Permit is valid and they're enrolled full-time at a DLI. This is generally the most straightforward category — but confirm your own eligibility against your Study Permit's specific conditions before starting.
Off-campus work
Students eligible for off-campus work can generally work up to a set number of hours per week during term, with no limit during scheduled breaks like summer. IRCC has changed this weekly cap more than once in recent years, so don't rely on a number you saw somewhere else — confirm the current limit on IRCC's official website before planning around it.
Mandatory co-op or internship placements
If your program requires a work placement as part of the curriculum, you'll typically need a separate co-op work permit, applied for alongside or after your Study Permit. This is a different category from general off-campus work — your DLI's international office can confirm exactly what your specific program requires.
After graduation: the PGWP
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work in Canada after finishing their program. Eligibility and the permit length both depend on your program's duration and type of institution, and IRCC has tightened PGWP eligibility criteria in recent years — confirm your specific program's current eligibility with your DLI rather than assuming a past graduate's experience still applies to you.
For the visa application itself, see the full Study Permit guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students work on campus in Canada?
In many cases, yes, without needing a separate work permit, as long as your Study Permit is valid and you're enrolled full-time at a DLI. Confirm your specific eligibility against your Study Permit conditions.
Can international students work off campus in Canada?
Generally yes, up to a weekly hour limit during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided your Study Permit allows off-campus work. IRCC has adjusted this weekly cap more than once in recent years — check the current limit on IRCC's official site rather than relying on an old figure.
What is a co-op work permit?
A separate work permit required if your program includes a mandatory work placement or internship as a required part of the curriculum — distinct from the general off-campus work allowance, and applied for separately.
What is the PGWP?
The Post-Graduation Work Permit lets eligible graduates work in Canada after finishing their program, generally for a length tied to your program's duration (up to a maximum). Eligibility depends on your program length and your institution — confirm your program's specific eligibility with your DLI and IRCC's current PGWP criteria before assuming you qualify.
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