Two Different Work Authorizations
International students in Canada can work under two distinct legal authorizations. The first is off-campus work authorization, which is included as a condition on most study permits and allows students to work for any Canadian employer subject to hour limits. The second is a co-op (or internship) work permit, which is a separate permit document issued when paid work is a mandatory component of the program of study.
These authorizations serve different purposes and apply in different situations. Understanding which applies to a given work arrangement is important for compliance and for planning employment during studies.
Off-Campus Work Authorization
Off-campus work authorization is a condition attached to most study permits that allows international students to work for any Canadian employer without requiring a separate work permit. This authorization is intended for general employment unrelated to a student's academic program.
Hour Limits
Off-campus work is subject to the 24-hour weekly cap during academic sessions (as of 2026) and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. These limits apply regardless of the type of work or the employer.
Typical Use Cases
Off-campus work typically covers part-time jobs in retail, food service, campus administration (when not classified as on-campus), and similar employment that students take on to support living expenses or gain general work experience. The work is not required to relate to the student's field of study.
The Co-op Work Permit
A co-op work permit is a separate work permit document issued to students whose program includes a mandatory work placement. Co-op permits are required when the work is a formal degree or diploma requirement, because such placements go beyond the general employment that off-campus authorization covers.
When It Is Required
A co-op permit is required when the work placement is a mandatory component of the program, the placement is not more than 50 percent of the total program duration, and the placement relates to the student's field of study. Voluntary or optional work experience generally does not require a co-op permit.
Application Process
Students apply for a co-op work permit through IRCC, typically at the same time as applying for their study permit. The application requires a letter from the designated learning institution confirming that the co-op placement is a mandatory program component. There is no application fee for the co-op permit when it is applied for alongside a study permit.
Key Differences
While both authorizations allow international students to work in Canada, several important differences affect how they are used and what students can do under each.
Purpose of the Work
Off-campus authorization covers general employment unrelated to studies. Co-op permits specifically cover mandatory academic work placements. A student cannot use off-campus authorization for a mandatory co-op placement that constitutes more than the typical 24-hour weekly cap during sessions, because such placements require the co-op permit structure.
Hour Limits
Co-op placements are not subject to the 24-hour weekly limit that applies to off-campus work. This is because co-op placements are part of the program of study itself. Full-time co-op placements are permitted when they fit the program structure.
Employer Restrictions
Off-campus work can be for any employer. Co-op permits typically identify the placement employer or require the work to be consistent with program requirements, giving the institution some oversight of the placement.
Combining Both Authorizations
Students may hold both a study permit with off-campus authorization and a co-op work permit simultaneously. This allows them to participate in mandatory co-op placements while also working part-time in other positions under off-campus authorization, subject to the combined time demands.
Hour Tracking
When combining both authorizations, the 24-hour weekly cap applies only to off-campus work and not to co-op placement hours. Students should track which hours fall under which authorization to demonstrate compliance if questions arise.
Practical Considerations
Combining a full-time co-op placement with part-time off-campus work can create significant time pressure. Students should ensure that total workload remains manageable alongside academic obligations for any required coursework during the co-op period.