International students in Canada can work while studying — a great way to support living expenses and gain work experience. This guide explains your eligibility, hour limits, internships, post-graduation work options, and more.
Can International Students Work in Canada?
Yes. If you hold a valid study permit, you may work part-time up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer holidays). You don’t need a separate work permit for most part-time jobs.
📌 Update (April 30, 2024): Canada now allows international students to work up to 24 hours/week, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.
Source: Government of Canada
Eligibility Requirements
To work legally while studying in Canada, you must meet the following:
1. Be Enrolled Full-Time
- You must be enrolled full-time at your institution.
- Exception: If you’re in your final semester and don’t need a full course load to graduate, part-time status is acceptable — but you must have been full-time before that.
2. Attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Your school must be a DLI recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Check if your school qualifies here:
👉 List of Designated Learning Institutions
3. Hold a Valid Study Permit
- Your study permit must explicitly state that you’re allowed to work in Canada.
- If this permission is missing, you may request a free amendment through IRCC.
4. Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Apply for a SIN from Service Canada after receiving your study permit.
👉 How to Apply for a SIN
How Many Hours Can You Work?
| Period | Work Limit |
|---|---|
| During academic term | Up to 24 hours/week |
| During scheduled breaks | Full-time allowed |
What About Internships or Co-op Placements?
You may need a co-op work permit if your program includes mandatory work placements. To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid study permit
- Be enrolled in a program where the co-op/internship is required
- Get a letter from your institution confirming the requirement
- Ensure the placement is ≤ 50% of your total program
Exemption: Students who applied for a study permit before Oct 7, 2022, and whose placement ends by Dec 31, 2023, are temporarily exempt from needing a co-op work permit.
👉 Apply for a Co-op Work Permit
Working in Canada After Graduation
International students may stay and work in Canada with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWP Eligibility:
- Program must be at least 8 months long
- Duration of PGWP = Length of study program
- 8–24 months: same as program length
- 24 months: eligible for a 3-year permit
Processing time: 80–180 days
You can start working while waiting for PGWP approval, as long as you applied before your study permit expired.
The PGWP is a pathway to permanent residency via Express Entry and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) streams.
Open a Canadian Bank Account
To receive your salary, you’ll need a Canadian bank account. Look for:
- No international transfer fees
- No/low monthly fees
- Student benefits
- Multilingual support
Example:
TD Bank Student Package
- No monthly fees
- Unlimited transactions
- 1,000+ branches
- 80+ languages supported
Final Thoughts
Working while studying in Canada is a great way to gain experience, support your expenses, and build a future. Be sure to:
- Meet study/work eligibility
- Track your weekly hours
- Plan ahead for post-graduation work options
For further support:
- IRCC – Work While Studying
- StudySphere.io – Compare services for international students