General

I’m an international student in Canada. Can I work while studying?

You may be eligible to work in Canada while studying, if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You must also meet all the other requirements. You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.

Work on or off campus

As a study permit holder, you may be able to work on-campus or off-campus without getting a work permit. Make sure you meet the requirements before you find a job.

Work as a co-op student or intern

You will need to get a work permit if your study program includes a required co-op or internship placement. Find out how to apply for a co-op work permit.

Work after you graduate

You may also be able to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to continue working in Canada after you graduate. Find out if you’re eligible for a PGWP.

As an international student, can I work in Canada without a work permit?

Yes. You have to respect the conditions associated with your situation.

I’m an international student. Can I work before my study program starts?

No. If you’re eligible to work on or off campus while studying in Canada, you can only start working once your study program starts.

Make sure you meet all the requirements for working on campus or off campus, before you start working. If you want to work before you start your studies, you must apply for a work permit.

I’m an international student. Can I continue to work after I’ve finished my study program?

Generally, no. You must stop working once you’ve received one of the following:

• your official letter of completion
• your transcript
• an email from your institution telling you that you have completed your program

You can only continue to work after you finished your studies if either

• you applied for a work permit before your study permit expired, or
• you’re starting a new study program

Find out more about working after you complete your study program.

Can I have a work permit and study permit at the same time?

Yes. You can apply for an additional permit. However, you must

• be eligible for both permits
• show the officer that you can study and work at the same time

When you apply, include a letter to explain how you’ll do this. Give details about how you’ll balance your work schedule with your studies. If you apply online, upload this letter in the Client information part of your document checklist.

Workers who can study without a study permit

You may be eligible to study without a study permit if you are in either of the following situations:

1. You have a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023.
2. You must have been issued a letter on or before June 7, 2023, authorizing you to work while we process your work permit application.
   1. You can use this letter if you’re waiting for a decision on your work permit extension.

Find out if you’re eligible.

Eligibility for other programs

There are some things to know about holding 2 permits:

• The work experience you gain while you hold a study permit doesn’t count toward the work experience requirements for most permanent residence programs.
  • Check the requirements for your program before you apply for permanent residence.
• If you plan to apply for a post-graduation work permit when you complete your studies, you’ll need to meet the eligibility criteria.
  • For example, you must maintain full-time status during all semesters of your study program, even while working.

See who can apply for a work permit and who can apply for a study permit.