Overview
Working while studying in Canada
Eligible international students may work off campus up to 24 hours each week during regular academic sessions and unlimited hours during qualifying scheduled breaks. The permission comes from the Regulations and permit conditions, not from a job offer.
Confirm eligibility before the first shift
The student generally must be full-time at a DLI in a program of at least six months leading to a degree, diploma or certificate and must have started studies. Certain language, prerequisite and visiting programs do not qualify.
The permit needs an appropriate work condition before Service Canada can issue a SIN.
Count every off-campus hour
During classes, the cap is 24 hours per week across all employers and self-employment. A student cannot average extra hours from one week against fewer hours in another.
On-campus work has separate rules, but the student must continue to meet academic and permit conditions.
Use scheduled-break rules carefully
Unlimited off-campus work is allowed during a break officially scheduled by the DLI when the student is full-time before and after, subject to transition rules. A long weekend is not by itself a scheduled break.
IRCC now describes duration limits for back-to-back breaks and total unlimited-work days.
Stop when eligibility stops
No off-campus work is permitted during an unauthorized leave or while switching schools without studying. Work rights also change after the final completion notice.
Excess hours are unauthorized work and can affect permit extensions, PGWP and permanent-residence applications.
When to get legal advice
When student work may fall outside the authorization: Working while studying in Canada
An immigration lawyer can examine the academic calendar, enrollment, hours and program requirements to identify whether the work was or will be authorized.
Hours exceeded the applicable limit
Work continued during a leave or part-time term
The placement is not clearly required by the program
The student’s permit conditions are unclear
A focused question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue, any immediate risk and the next sensible step. If the matter needs more work, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you decide whether to proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about working while studying in canada
How many off-campus hours may an eligible student work?
Up to 24 hours per week during regular sessions, with different rules for qualifying scheduled breaks.
Can a student work before classes begin?
No. Off-campus work can start only after the study program begins.
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