Canada allows many international students to work while completing their studies, providing an opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience, develop professional skills, and help offset living expenses. Working during studies can also enhance employability after graduation by allowing students to build professional networks and strengthen their resumes.
To work in Canada while studying, international students must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in their study permit and comply with the regulations established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Depending on their circumstances, eligible students may work on campus, off campus, or participate in co-operative education (co-op) or internship programs that form part of their academic curriculum.
Understanding the rules governing student employment—including eligibility requirements, permitted working hours, Social Insurance Number (SIN) requirements, and employment conditions—is essential to maintaining legal status in Canada while balancing academic and professional responsibilities.
Working While Studying in Canada
International students in Canada may be eligible to work while studying, allowing them to gain valuable Canadian work experience, develop professional skills, build their resumes, and help cover living expenses. Depending on their study permit conditions, students may work on campus, off campus, or participate in co-operative education (co-op), internships, or other mandatory work placements that form part of their academic program.
Working On Campus
Eligible international students may work on campus without a separate work permit once their study program has officially started. There is no limit on the number of hours students can work on campus, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
To work on campus without a work permit, you must:
- Be enrolled as a full-time post-secondary student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be registered in a program that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a study permit that authorizes you to work on campus.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
On-campus employment includes jobs with the institution itself, faculty members, student organizations, private businesses operating on campus, and contractors providing services to the institution. Students employed as teaching or research assistants may also work at affiliated facilities, such as libraries, hospitals, or research centres.
Working Off Campus
Eligible international students may also work off campus without a separate work permit after their studies have begun. During regular academic sessions, students may work up to 24 hours per week off campus. During scheduled academic breaks, such as summer holidays, winter holidays, or reading weeks, eligible students may work unlimited hours.
To qualify for off-campus work, you must:
- Be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be enrolled in a program that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a study permit that authorizes off-campus employment.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Students must continue to meet all study permit conditions and maintain satisfactory academic standing to remain eligible to work.
Co-operative Education (Co-op) and Internships
Many Canadian post-secondary programs include co-operative education (co-op), internships, practicums, or clinical placements as mandatory components of the curriculum. These work-integrated learning opportunities enable students to apply classroom knowledge in real workplace settings while gaining valuable industry experience.
As of April 1, 2026, most post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit. Eligible students can complete mandatory co-op placements or internships under the authority of their study permit, provided:
- They hold a valid study permit.
- The work placement is a mandatory requirement of their academic program.
- Their educational institution confirms that the placement is required for graduation.
- The work placement constitutes 50% or less of the total duration of the study program.
These opportunities help students develop practical skills, expand professional networks, and improve their employment prospects after graduation.