On-Campus Work
International students are permitted to work on campus at their designated learning institution without needing to apply for a separate work permit. This automatic work authorization is one of the most accessible employment opportunities for students and is included with the study permit itself.
Work Hour Limitations
While on campus, international students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic sessions (when classes are in progress). During official school breaks and holidays, students may work full-time. This 20-hour limit ensures that students maintain adequate time for studies and meet the condition of maintaining satisfactory progress.
Types of On-Campus Employment
- Library and administrative positions
- Teaching assistantships or research assistantships
- Food services and campus dining positions
- Student orientation and peer mentoring roles
- Campus security and facilities positions
- Work-study programs operated by the institution
Definition of On-Campus Work
On-campus work includes employment directly with the designated learning institution itself, on the institution's campus or at facilities controlled by the institution. Some employment at vendors or contractors located on campus may also qualify as on-campus work, but this depends on specific circumstances. Students should verify with their international student office whether a specific position qualifies as on-campus employment.
No Work Permit Required
International students do not need to apply for a separate work permit to work on campus. The authorization is automatic with the study permit. However, employers may still require standard employment documentation such as a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and tax information. Students should contact their international student office if they have questions about whether a specific position qualifies as authorized on-campus work.
Off-Campus Work Authorization
International students may work off-campus in Canada under certain conditions. Off-campus work authorization is typically granted automatically with the study permit for students meeting specific eligibility requirements, though some students may need to apply for explicit authorization.
Off-Campus Work Eligibility
International students are eligible for off-campus work authorization if they are pursuing post-secondary degree studies at a designated learning institution and are in good academic standing. The institution must confirm that the student is enrolled in an eligible program before off-campus work authorization takes effect.
Work Hour Limitations During Studies
Students authorized for off-campus work may work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session (during academic sessions). During official school breaks, students may work full-time. This limitation applies to the combination of all work (on-campus and off-campus), not to each category separately.
Automatic vs. Explicit Authorization
Many students receive off-campus work authorization automatically when their study permit is issued, and this authorization is noted on the physical permit. However, some students may need to apply for a work permit to authorize off-campus work. Students should check their study permit or contact IRCC to verify whether they have authorization for off-campus work.
Types of Off-Campus Employment
- Retail and hospitality positions
- Professional positions in fields related to studies (with work permit)
- Internships and placements for credit (under co-op authorization)
- Part-time employment at any employer
- Self-employment and independent contracting (subject to specific conditions)
Social Insurance Number
International students working in Canada must obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax and employment purposes. A SIN can be obtained from Service Canada and is required by employers for payroll purposes. A study permit alone is sufficient to apply for a SIN.
24-Hour Rule
International students are permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during official school breaks without violating the condition that they limit work to 20 hours per week during academic sessions. This flexibility allows students to increase their work hours during breaks while maintaining compliance with study permit conditions.
Defining School Breaks
The 24-hour rule applies specifically during official school breaks scheduled by the institution, such as winter breaks, summer breaks, spring breaks, and semester breaks. These breaks are typically scheduled by the institution in advance. Students should verify with their institution what dates qualify as official school breaks.
Calculating Work Hours
The 20-hour limit during academic sessions applies to the combined total of all work, including both on-campus and off-campus employment. During official school breaks, students may work full-time (typically 40 hours per week) if they wish. Some employers may offer additional hours specifically during breaks to allow students to earn more income during these periods.
Week Definition
Work hour limits are measured on a weekly basis, typically calculated on a calendar week or a consistent work-week basis as defined by the employer. Employers may help students track hours to ensure compliance with study permit conditions.
Post-Study Break Transition
When official school breaks end and academic sessions resume, students must immediately reduce their work hours to the 20-hour maximum if they are working. Working more than 20 hours per week during academic sessions violates study permit conditions.
Co-op Work Permits
Students participating in cooperative education programs (co-ops) or work-integrated learning components of their studies may be authorized to work full-time through a co-op work permit. This authorization allows students to earn experience and income while fulfilling degree requirements.
Co-op Program Requirements
To work under a co-op work permit, the student must be enrolled in a designated learning institution program that includes a co-op or work-integrated learning component. The program must be formally recognized by the institution as including this component, and the work experience must be counted toward the degree or credential being pursued.
Work Permit Application
Students may apply for a co-op work permit when they are ready to begin a co-op work term. The application requires a letter from the institution confirming that the student is enrolled in a co-op program and is authorized to participate in the work term. The letter should indicate the duration of the work term and the employer information.
Duration of Co-op Authorization
Co-op work permits are issued for the duration of the specified work term. Once the work term is completed, the student returns to study status. If the program includes multiple co-op terms, the student may apply for additional work permits for each subsequent work term.
Multiple Co-op Terms
Programs with multiple co-op work terms may have terms of different lengths. Students should apply for a new co-op work permit for each term rather than attempting to use one permit for multiple work periods. The institution's co-op office can guide students through the application process for each term.
Spouse Open Work Permit
The spouse or common-law partner of an international student may be eligible for an open work permit, allowing them to work for any employer in Canada while accompanying the student during their studies. This provision recognizes the importance of allowing spouses to support themselves and families while settling in Canada.
Eligibility for Spouse OWP
A spouse or common-law partner of an international student is eligible for an open work permit if the principal student is enrolled at a post-secondary institution in Canada and is authorized to work off-campus. The spouse must be physically present in Canada or applying to come to Canada with the student.
Application Process
Spouses apply for open work permits through IRCC, typically as part of their permanent residence application or as a separate work permit application. The application requires proof of the relationship between the spouse and the student (marriage certificate, common-law declaration, etc.) and confirmation that the student is enrolled in an eligible program.
Work Authorization Benefits
An open work permit allows the spouse to work for any employer without requiring a specific job offer. This flexibility is valuable for spouses seeking employment while supporting the student's studies. The permit may be valid for the duration of the student's studies or for a specified period.
Status After Studies
The spouse's open work permit is typically tied to the student's study status. If the student graduates, the spouse's open work permit may expire. Spouses should explore options for other forms of status, such as applying for their own work permit or permanent residence pathway before the student's studies end.
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Upon completing their studies, international students may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to work for any employer in Canada and gain valuable Canadian work experience. The PGWP is an important pathway for students seeking to transition to permanent residence.
PGWP Overview
A Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit issued to graduates of Canadian institutions who meet specific eligibility requirements. The PGWP allows graduates to remain in Canada and work for any employer, gaining Canadian experience that may support future permanent residence applications.
Duration Based on Program Length
The duration of a PGWP is based on the length of the completed program. Students who completed programs of 8 months or longer are eligible for a PGWP. The permit duration generally equals the length of the program, up to a maximum of 3 years.
Application Timing
Students should apply for a PGWP as soon as possible after completing their program. Applications can typically be submitted after the student has completed all program requirements and received confirmation from the institution. Processing times vary, and students should apply early to avoid gaps between study permit expiry and PGWP issuance.
Work Anywhere in Canada
A PGWP permits the holder to work for any employer in any sector across Canada. There are no geographic restrictions, and the permit allows work in any profession or job type that matches the holder's qualifications and experience.
Working Between Programs
International students who complete one program and plan to pursue further studies may have limited work authorization between programs. Understanding the options for bridging work between programs helps students maintain income and legal status during transitions.
Work Authorization at Program End
When a student completes a program, their work authorization tied to that program ends. If the student is waiting to begin a new program or extending studies, their ability to work depends on their status during the interim period.
Consecutive Program Studies
If a student transitions directly from one program to another with minimal gap and maintains continuous enrollment at the designated learning institution, they retain study permit status and work authorization throughout the transition. Work hour limitations during academic sessions continue to apply.
Gap Between Programs
If there is a gap between program completion and the start of the next program, the student's status depends on the circumstances. A student may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit to work during the gap, or may allow their study permit to expire and reapply when the new program begins (if the gap is short and the student leaves Canada).
PGWP Strategy
Some students apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit after completing one program, work for a period, and then return to study. This strategy allows work experience to be gained between programs. The student would then apply for a new study permit when beginning the subsequent program.