Working While Studying in Canada: On-Campus, Off-Campus and Co-op Rules
Many international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and full-time during scheduled breaks, if their study permit has the right conditions and they have a social insurance number (SIN). Work on campus has its own rules. You cannot work before your program starts.
since 1991
Who can work off campus?
You can work off campus without a work permit if you are a full-time student at a DLI, your program has started, you are in a post-secondary program of at least 6 months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, you have a valid permit or applied to extend in time, your permit has work conditions, and you have a SIN (IRCC).
What about on campus, co-op and internships?
On-campus work needs a permit condition, full-time study and a SIN. Since April 1, 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a co-op work permit for required work placements, but secondary students still do. Read our study permit guide, the extend or change guide and the Study in Canada hub. See also our post on student work authorization.
Key rules at a glance
- Hours: up to 24 hours a week during regular terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks if you meet the criteria.
- Conditions: your study permit must show a work condition. You can ask IRCC to add it at no fee if you qualify.
- SIN: you need a social insurance number before you work.
- Stop rules: you must stop working if you stop studying full-time, your permit expires, you go on authorized leave or you switch schools and are not studying.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
You can likely work if
- You are a full-time student at a DLI and your program has started.
- Your program is at least 6 months and leads to a credential.
- Your permit has work conditions and you have a SIN.
You cannot work if
- Your program has not started: you cannot work before classes begin.
- You are in an ESL, FSL, general interest or prep course: these are not eligible for work placements.
- You are on authorized leave or between schools: you cannot work until you resume your studies.
See the Study in Canada hub, the PGWP guide and the work permits hub for work after your studies.
Why student work goes wrong
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Work before the program starts
You can only start working once you start your study program.
No work condition on the permit
You need a permit condition that allows work, and a SIN. If it is missing, you can ask IRCC to add it if you qualify.
Part-time study
You can work only if you are full-time, except in your last semester if you were full-time before and do not need a full load to finish.
Hours over the limit
Off campus you can work up to 24 hours a week in term. More hours can be unauthorized work.
Unpaid work counts too
IRCC treats unpaid work that is normally paid, or valuable experience, as work. An unpaid internship can need authorization.
Not sure you can work?
We check your permit conditions, program and dates before you start a job.
Limits you cannot miss
24 hours a week in term
Off campus you can work up to 24 hours a week during regular terms. You can have more than one job if the total stays within the limit and you keep meeting your conditions.
You must stop working when you stop studying full-time, unless it is your final semester, when your permit expires, during authorized leave, or if you switch schools and are not studying.
Your SIN follows your permit dates. Update it when you extend, and plan your PGWP before your studies end.
Documents to gather
Your school and Service Canada may ask for these. Start with these.
How student work works, step by step
Six stages from your permit to your first shift.
Check your permit
Look for a work condition on your study permit.
Ask for conditions if missing
If you qualify, ask IRCC to add them. There is no fee.
Get your SIN
Apply for a social insurance number.
Wait for classes to begin
Do not work before your program starts.
Stay within the limits
Up to 24 hours a week in term, full-time in scheduled breaks.
Keep records current
Update your SIN when you extend, and stop when the rules say so.
Student work costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases, from offices in Toronto, Dubai and Karachi. Our team includes Rijah Amir, also a licensed RCIC, so every file gets a second expert review.
Licensed expert guidance
Advice from CICC-licensed RCICs, not sales staff or unlicensed agents.
A strategy built for your profile
We identify the fastest realistic pathway for you, not a template.
Application accuracy
Documentation review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track every draw, policy shift and IRCC announcement for you.
End-to-end support
From eligibility checks to landing, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided to Canada and beyond.
Working while studying FAQs
Can international students work in Canada?
Yes, many can. You need a full-time program at a DLI, a study permit with work conditions and a SIN. Rules differ for on-campus work, off-campus work and required work placements.
How many hours can I work off campus?
Up to 24 hours a week during regular school terms. You can work more than one job within that total. During scheduled breaks you can work full-time if you meet the criteria.
Do I need a work permit to work off campus?
Not if you meet IRCC’s requirements. You must be a full-time student in an eligible program of at least 6 months, have work conditions on your permit and have a SIN.
Can I work on campus?
Yes, if your permit lists a condition that allows it and you are a full-time student at a DLI. You must also have a SIN. Part-time is allowed only in your final semester in some cases.
What if my permit does not show a work condition?
You can ask IRCC to add it if you qualify. There is no fee. You must request the amendment before you can apply for a SIN.
Can I work before my program starts?
No. You can only start working when your study program begins.
Do I need a co-op work permit?
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary students do not need a co-op work permit for required student work placements. Secondary school students still do. Placements must be 50% or less of the program.
Is an unpaid internship work?
Yes, in many cases. IRCC counts unpaid activities that are usually paid, or valuable work experience, as work. Get advice before you start.
When do I have to stop working?
When you stop studying full-time, except in your final semester, when your study permit expires, when you go on authorized leave, or when you switch schools and are not studying.
Can I work after I graduate?
You may qualify for a PGWP. Read our PGWP guide for the current rules, language and field requirements.
What happens if I work without authorization?
Unauthorized work can have serious consequences for your status and future applications. Check your conditions first or ask us.
Can my spouse work while I study?
Some spouses can get an open work permit, depending on your program. Read our family guide and the spousal open work permit guide.