Founder and Principal Consultant
What this page covers
- How many hours can you work while you study?
- What about on campus work and co-op placements?
- What happens if you take a leave or reduce your course load?
- Frequently asked questions
Working beyond what your permit allows is a status violation, and it follows you into every future application. Read the current limits before you accept any job.
Working While Studying in Canada
Working while studying is one of the significant advantages of choosing Canada for your further education. As per current regulations, most students can work up to 24 hours a week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer or winter holidays or scheduled breaks (official drop) between semesters. This work can be either on-campus or off-campus.
Off-Campus Work:
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Twenty-four hours a week during academic sessions, increased from twenty on 8 November 2024
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Unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays and reading week
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Hours across multiple jobs are combined toward the limit
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The temporary unlimited hours policy ended on 30 April 2024 and cannot be relied on
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A permit printed before the change may still read twenty hours, but you may work twenty-four if you meet current conditions
Conditions You Must Meet:
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Full-time enrolment at a designated learning institution
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A program of at least six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate
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Your program has actually started, since you cannot work before the start date
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A valid study permit carrying the off-campus work condition
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A Social Insurance Number
On-Campus Work:
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No hour limit applies to on-campus work
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Available to full-time post-secondary students at eligible institutions
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The employer may be the institution, a faculty member, a student organisation, or a private business located on campus
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You must hold a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number
Co-op and Internship Work Permits:
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Required separately where work experience forms part of your program
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The placement must be essential to completing the program, confirmed in writing by the institution
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The work component must be fifty per cent or less of the total program duration
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Students in general interest courses, bridging programs, or ESL and FSL programs are not eligible
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Applying for the co-op permit before the placement begins is essential, since it cannot be backdated
What You Need to Know:
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You cannot work during any leave from studies, including an institutional closure
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Repeated authorized leaves now attract scrutiny over whether reasonable progress is being made
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A reduced course load outside your final semester can end your eligibility to work off campus
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Studies are complete on the date the institution first notifies you, and the permit becomes invalid ninety days later
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Changing designated learning institution requires a new study permit before you begin studying there
Part-time Students
A part-time student can work off-campus if:
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They are in the last semester of their study program and do not need a full course load to complete the program.
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They were a full-time student in their program in Canada up until their last semester.
Co-op Work Permit
Certain academic programs may require students to complete internships or work placements as part of their curriculum. A co-op or intern work permit is required for such placements.
Conditions for a Co-op Work Permit:
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The student must have a valid study permit or be applying for one along with the co-op work permit.
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The work placement must be an essential part of the academic program.
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Students must provide a letter from their school confirming the work placement is mandatory for all students in the program.
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The co-op work term should constitute 50% or less of the total program duration.
How many hours can I work while studying?
Twenty-four hours a week off campus during academic sessions, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The limit rose from twenty on 8 November 2024. Hours across multiple jobs are combined.
My permit says twenty hours. Which applies?
Twenty-four, provided you meet the current conditions. Permits printed before the change may still show the old text, but the printed figure does not limit you.
Is there a limit on on-campus work?
No. On-campus work carries no hour limit for eligible full-time students at eligible institutions. You still need a valid study permit and a Social Insurance Number.
Do I need a separate permit for a co-op placement?
Yes, where work experience forms part of your program. The placement must be essential to completing the program, confirmed in writing by the institution, and the work component must be fifty per cent or less of the total program. Apply before the placement begins, since it cannot be backdated.
Can I work during a leave from studies?
No. You cannot work during any leave, including an institutional closure. Compliance guidance updated on 18 June 2026 also brought repeated authorized leaves under closer scrutiny over whether reasonable progress is being made.
What happens if I work more than the limit?
It is a breach of your permit conditions and can lead to loss of status, refusal of future applications and removal. It frequently surfaces later when tax records are compared against declared study periods.
Who Will Be Working on Your File
Barrister and Solicitor, Pallavi Law Office