Working While You Study in Canada

Last verified: June 28, 2026 · Official source: canada.ca/work-while-studying

General information, not legal or immigration advice. For advice on your situation, consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.

The quick answer

If you have a valid study permit that authorizes off-campus work (check yours — most do), you can:

• Work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions
• Work full-time during scheduled breaks (winter holiday, spring break, summer)
• Work unlimited hours on campus (different rule — no hour cap)

⚠️ Always confirm the exact conditions printed on your own study permit — individual permits can have different conditions. The rules below reflect standard study permit conditions; yours may differ.

Off-campus work: 20-hour limit during studies

During regular academic periods (when classes are in session), you may work a maximum of 20 hours per week at a job off campus. "Off campus" means any employer other than your school.

You must be:

• Enrolled as a full-time student at your DLI
• In a program that makes you eligible for off-campus work (most post-secondary programs qualify)

If you drop below full-time enrollment for any reason (other than the final semester of your program), you are generally no longer authorized to work off campus.

Scheduled breaks: full-time work allowed

During scheduled breaks — periods when your DLI does not require attendance:

• Winter break (typically December–January)
• Spring break (typically February or March)
• Summer break (typically May–August)

You can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week). The break must be a scheduled break at your institution, not a break you took informally.

To qualify for full-time work during a break, you generally need to be a registered student who will return to full-time studies after the break.

On-campus work: no hour limit

Working on campus (for your school or for a business physically on school premises) is generally not subject to the 20-hour limit. On-campus work includes:

• Working directly for your DLI (cafeteria, library, administrative roles)
• Certain co-op or practicum placements arranged by your school (check the conditions)

Does your permit allow off-campus work?

Study permits issued after 2014 generally include authorization for off-campus work if you meet the conditions. Look at the back of your study permit for the condition "may work 20 hrs/week off campus during regular academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks" or similar language. If you are unsure, contact IRCC or a licensed advisor.

Why this matters for your future PR

Every hour of eligible Canadian work experience you accumulate while studying builds toward your permanent residence eligibility:

• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry requires at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (within the last 3 years). Work on a study permit counts.
• Work experience in NOCNOC: National Occupational Classification — Canada's system for classifying jobs. For CEC, your work must be in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation (skilled roles). TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations qualifies for CEC.
• After graduating, a PGWPPGWP: Post-Graduation Work Permit — lets you work full-time anywhere in Canada for up to 3 years after graduation, giving you time to accumulate the work experience needed for Express Entry/CEC. gives you up to 3 more years to build experience.

Getting a part-time or co-op job in your field of study during your program is one of the most efficient ways to reduce the time you need after graduation to qualify for CEC.

Co-op and internship placements

Many programs include mandatory co-op or internship components that are paid or unpaid. If your co-op placement is:

• Mandatory for your program and
• Part of your curriculum

It may not count against the 20-hour limit, or you may need a separate co-op work permit (usually issued alongside your study permit automatically if co-op is part of your program). Check your study permit — it may say "co-op work permitted" or similar.

Summary table

→ Choosing a PGWP-Eligible School & Program — protect your PGWP eligibility → Study → PR Pathway Map — how work experience connects to PR

Sources

• canada.ca — Work off campus as an international student
• canada.ca — Study permit