# Student work rights in Canada

> Rules for working while studying in Canada, including work limits, internships, tax steps and post-study routes where covered by the guide.

Source of record: https://versityspot.com/study-abroad/canada/work-rights
Confirmation: 15 of 15 sections confirmed against their official source (last 2026-08-08).

## Part-time Jobs

If you meet IRCC's eligibility rules and your study permit carries the relevant work condition, you may work off campus up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms or semesters. During a scheduled break set by your DLI, you may work unlimited off-campus hours if you continue to meet the eligibility conditions. If your programme has no scheduled break, the 24-hour weekly limit continues.

A scheduled break is not simply any period when you personally have fewer classes. IRCC says it must be scheduled by the school and normally last at least seven consecutive days. You cannot start off-campus work before your study programme begins. IRCC also limits how long back-to-back scheduled breaks can be used for unlimited work.

Eligible on-campus work has no federal hour cap. Co-op and internship placements that form part of your programme may require a co-op work permit.

You need a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to be paid. If the work condition is missing from an otherwise eligible study permit, request an amendment before applying for the SIN or starting work.

*Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html*

## Post-study Work

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for eligible graduates of eligible programmes. Do not assume that every programme at a DLI qualifies.

For most applicants, the programme must meet PGWP eligibility rules and you must apply within 180 days of receiving confirmation that you completed your studies. Full-time study is normally required during each academic session, with limited exceptions such as being part-time in the final session. A PGWP is generally a one-time benefit.

For PGWP applications made on or after 1 November 2024, language requirements depend on the credential. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates need at least CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities. Graduates of other university programmes also need CLB/NCLC 7. Graduates of college, polytechnic or other non-university programmes generally need CLB/NCLC 5.

Field-of-study rules are separate. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral graduates have no PGWP field-of-study requirement. Graduates of other university programmes and of college/polytechnic/non-university programmes whose study-permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024 generally need an eligible CIP field. IRCC has kept the eligible-field list stable for 2026, so check the current CIP list before choosing or changing a programme.

Permit length depends on programme length and other factors. A master's degree of at least eight months can qualify for a three-year PGWP even when the master's itself is under two years; for many other programmes under two years, the permit may be issued for roughly the programme length, while programmes of two years or more can qualify for up to three years.

*Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/after-graduation/eligibility.html*

## Common questions

### What should international students know about work in Canada?

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during regular terms; unlimited only during genuine DLI-scheduled breaks if you remain eligible.

### What should international students know about post study in Canada?

PGWP rules distinguish degrees, other university programmes, and college/polytechnic/non-university programmes; language and field requirements are not the same for each.