Can International Students Work in Canada? Complete Guide

Can You Work While Studying in Canada?

Yes - most international students in Canada can work without a separate work permit, as long as you have a valid study permit and meet certain conditions. This is one of Canada's most attractive features for international students.

On-Campus Work

If you have a valid study permit and are enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI), you can work on campus without any additional authorization. On-campus work includes any job at your school - library, cafeteria, administrative office, or research positions. There is no hour limit for on-campus work during the academic session.

Off-Campus Work

Since 2024, eligible full-time international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions. During scheduled breaks (summer, winter, reading week), you can work full-time with no hour limit.

Requirements to work off-campus:

• Your study permit must explicitly say you are authorized to work off-campus, OR your permit was issued after June 2014 and includes the standard work condition
• You must be enrolled full-time at a DLI
• You must be actively studying
• Your SIN must be obtained

Co-op and Internships

If your program includes a mandatory co-op or internship, you'll need a co-op work permit. Apply through IRCC while your study permit is valid. Co-op work permit allows you to work the hours required by your program, in addition to any regular part-time work you're already authorized for.

After Graduation: PGWP

After completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) - a one-time open work permit that lets you work anywhere in Canada for up to 3 years (depending on the length of your program). The PGWP is a major pathway to Canadian permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Working in Canada After Graduation: The Path to PR

With a PGWP and 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, you can apply through Express Entry (Canadian Experience Class) for permanent residency. Many international graduates achieve PR within 2 years of graduating. See: Express Entry guide