International students in Canada with a valid study permit can work in certain circumstances without a separate work permit — but the rules are specific and violations can jeopardize your immigration status. This guide covers on-campus work, off-campus work (and the 24-hour per week limit), co-op work permits, working between academic sessions, and whether your spouse or partner qualifies for an open work permit while you study.
On-Campus Work
Under IRPR s.186(f), international students with a valid study permit may work on campus without a separate work permit, provided they are:
- ✓ Currently enrolled as a full-time student at the DLI
- ✓ Working for the institution or for a business physically located on campus
- ✓ Not violating any conditions of their study permit
On-campus work includes jobs at the university library, campus cafeteria, student union, bookstore, or as a teaching or research assistant. There is no hour limit specifically stated for on-campus work, but students must remain primarily enrolled as students.
Off-Campus Work — The 24-Hour Per Week Limit
International students with a valid study permit and who meet the eligibility criteria may work off-campus without a separate work permit, subject to hour limits.
Important: Hour limit change
The off-campus work limit was temporarily increased to 24 hours per week effective November 15, 2022. Students should always verify the current limit on the IRCC website, as this policy has been adjusted multiple times. As of early 2026, IRCC has indicated the standard 20-hour limit may be reinstated — confirm the current rule before working more than 20 hours.
To work off-campus, students must:
- ✓ Be enrolled full-time at a DLI at the university or college level (or be enrolled at a secondary or vocational school in Quebec)
- ✓ Have a study permit that explicitly allows off-campus work (most do, unless the permit says “may not work off campus”)
- ✓ Be a student in a program of at least 6 months leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate
Co-op Work Permits
If your program includes mandatory co-op or internship work placements, you must obtain a co-op work permit in addition to your study permit. Co-op permits allow you to work more than the off-campus limit because the work is a formal part of your program.
- ✓ Co-op or work placements must be required for all students in the program (not optional)
- ✓ The co-op component cannot exceed 50% of the total program length
- ✓ The co-op work permit is issued concurrently with the study permit and expires with it
- ✓ Apply for the co-op permit at the same time as your study permit application
Working Between Academic Sessions
Students who are eligible to work off-campus during the academic year may also work full-time during scheduled breaks between academic sessions (e.g., winter break, summer break), provided:
- ✓ They are currently enrolled and will be returning to school for the next session
- ✓ Their study permit remains valid during the break
- ✗ Students cannot work full-time during breaks if they have graduated (the study permit conditions no longer apply once studies are complete)
Spouse or Partner Open Work Permit
In some cases, the spouse or common-law partner of an international student may be eligible for an Open Work Permit (OWP). Eligibility was restricted in late 2024 — it now generally applies only to spouses of students enrolled in graduate-level programs or specific professional degree programs. Always verify current eligibility criteria on the IRCC website before applying.
| Student Program Level | Spouse OWP Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Master's degree program | Generally yes |
| Doctoral (PhD) program | Generally yes |
| Undergraduate degree | Generally no (as of 2024 changes) |
| College diploma / certificate | Generally no (as of 2024 changes) |
IRCC policy on spousal OWPs for students has changed multiple times. Always check the current IRCC guidance. The government has signalled further adjustments to this category are possible.
Check your work eligibility
Use our free tools to check processing times and generate a document checklist for your study situation.
Check Processing TimesFrequently Asked Questions
How many hours can international students work per week in Canada?+
As of 2024, the off-campus work limit was temporarily set at 24 hours per week. However, IRCC has signalled the standard 20-hour limit may be reinstated. Always verify the current limit on the IRCC website before working more than 20 hours per week off-campus. On-campus work has no specific hour limit but you must remain enrolled as a full-time student.
Do I need a separate work permit to work off-campus as an international student?+
In most cases, no — if your study permit allows off-campus work (most do), you can work off-campus without a separate work permit, subject to the weekly hour limit. However, for co-op or internship placements that are part of your program, you need a co-op work permit.
Can I work full-time during the summer as an international student?+
Yes, if you are eligible to work off-campus during the academic year and you are returning to school for the next term, you can generally work full-time during scheduled breaks between sessions (e.g., summer, winter break).
What happens if I exceed the work hour limit?+
Working more than the permitted hours is a violation of your study permit conditions. This can result in a finding of non-compliance, which can affect your current and future immigration applications in Canada, including study permit extensions and permanent residence applications.
🎓 Get your complete study pathway report
Our $149.99 pathway report gives you a personalized analysis of your work eligibility, post-graduation options, and PR pathways.
Get Pathway Report → $149.99Important: This tool provides general information based on publicly available Canadian immigration law (IRPA). Results are not a determination of admissibility. Only a CBSA officer at a port of entry can make admissibility decisions. For complex legal situations, professional guidance may also be beneficial.