Working in Canada
as an International Student.
International students with a valid study permit can work in Canada under specific conditions. Hour limits, eligibility rules, and the type of program all affect what is allowed. As of April 2026, post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for required placements.
working while studying
Work authorization for international students in Canada.
Off-campus, on-campus, work placements, and the rules that apply in 2026.
Eligible international students with a valid study permit can work in Canada without applying for a separate work permit. The conditions printed on the study permit determine where, when, and how many hours of work are authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
Off-campus work is limited to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and may be full time during scheduled breaks, provided the student remains enrolled full time at a Designated Learning Institution. On-campus work has no weekly hour limit and applies to employment within the buildings of the school where the student is registered. Both require a Social Insurance Number issued by Service Canada before any paid employment begins.
As of April 1, 2026, post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for required program placements that total 50 percent or less of the program. The study permit alone now covers internships, practicums, and co-op terms approved by the Designated Learning Institution, replacing what was previously a separate application process.
One permit, three ways to work.
Off-campus during studies, on-campus while enrolled, and placements required by your program. Each has its own hour limits and conditions.
Working more than 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions is a violation of study permit conditions. It can result in loss of student status and removal from Canada.
| Type of work | Hour limit | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus, academic sessions | 24 hrs / week | Full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution |
| Off-campus, scheduled breaks | Unlimited | Must be full-time before and after the break |
| On-campus | Unlimited | Valid study permit and full-time enrollment at the DLI |
| Student work placements | No weekly limit | Must total 50% or less of the study program |
| Remote work, non Canadian employer | Does not count toward 24 hour limit | Must continue meeting study permit conditions |
How hours are counted
Time earning wages, on call hours when paid, commission earnings, and self-employment income.
Remote work for an employer outside Canada, and voluntary unpaid activities outside the program.
Not every study permit allows you to work.
Eligibility for off-campus and on-campus work depends on the program, the school, and the conditions of your permit.
- Full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Classes have already started
- Study permit has work conditions printed on it
- Has a Social Insurance Number issued by Service Canada
- Study permit says “not authorized to work off campus”
- Enrolled only in English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) programs
- Enrolled only in general interest courses
- Enrolled only in prerequisite courses to be accepted into a full-time program
- Currently on authorized leave from studies
Students who were full-time throughout their program may continue working in their final semester even if part-time, provided no full course load is needed to complete the program.
Apply for your SIN before your first paycheque.
A free 9 digit number tied to your study permit, issued by Service Canada.
Verify your study permit conditions
Confirm the permit includes “may accept employment” or “may work” under R186(f), (v) or (w) of the IRPR. If your permit lacks this clause, request a free amendment from IRCC before applying for the SIN.
Gather your documents
Primary document: study permit with the work authorization clause printed on it. Secondary document: passport (Canadian or foreign), Canadian provincial or territorial ID card, or driver’s licence.
Apply through Service Canada
Online is the fastest method. You may also apply by mail to the Social Insurance Registration Office in Bathurst, New Brunswick, or in person at any Service Canada Centre.
When you renew your study permit, you must apply to update the expiry date on your SIN record. The dates on both documents must match. Working with an expired SIN may be permitted only under maintained status while waiting for a permit decision.
Co-op work permit changes for international students.
What April 2026 means for internships, practicums, and required program placements.
Post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for required program placements. The study permit alone authorizes the placement. No fee, no application, no waiting.
- Post-secondary student at a Designated Learning Institution
- Placement is required by the program
- Placement totals 50% or less of the program
- Permit has on-campus work clause printed on it
- Enrolled only in ESL or FSL programs
- Enrolled only in general interest courses
- Studying at a school outside Canada
International students at the secondary level still need a separate co-op work permit to participate in mandatory work placements required by their program.
Students with a pending co-op work permit application can withdraw it. IRCC may also withdraw applications automatically and notify the applicant that no co-op work permit is required.
When international students cannot work in Canada.
Specific situations that invalidate your right to work, and the risks of non-compliance.
When you cannot work
- Before your study program starts
- During an authorized leave from your studies
- While switching schools and not actively studying
- When your study permit says “not authorized to work”
- After your study permit expires (unless under maintained status)
- If working over 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions
If your school is temporarily closed because of a strike and you’re authorized to work, you remain authorized to work up to a maximum of 150 days.
Exceeding 24 hours per week off-campus violates study permit conditions and can result in loss of student status, removal from Canada, a six-month wait before any new permit, and impact on future immigration applications.
Working while studying is more regulated than it looks.
International students can work in Canada under specific conditions tied to their study permit. Hour limits, eligibility rules, and program type all affect what is allowed.
The right to work as a student is conditional on the type of program, the school’s status as a Designated Learning Institution, and the conditions printed on the study permit itself.
Megrez Immigration Consultants advises international students on the full scope of work authorization tied to a study permit, including the changes affecting work placements as of April 2026. Every consultation is conducted by a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant licensed by the CICC.
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