Working while studying

The following chart identifies the requirements of the various types of work you can do while studying in Canada.

Types	Conditions
Work on-campus	You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program, and that your study permit lists a condition that says you are allowed to work on- or off-campus. You can work on campus, without a work permit, if you are a full-time post-secondary student at a public post-secondary school, a private college-level school in Quebec, or a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law, have a valid study permit, and have a Social Insurance Number.
Work off-campus	You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program, and that your study permit lists a condition that says you are allowed to work on- or off-campus. You can work off-campus, without a work permit, if you meet all the following requirements: you are a full-time student at a DLI, you are enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, your study program is at least 6 months long AND leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, you have started studying, and you have a Social Insurance Number. During regular school terms/semesters: you can work up to 20 hours per week. During scheduled breaks in the school year: you can work full-time.
Work as a co-op student or intern	You can apply for a co-op or intern work permit if: you have a valid study permit, work is required to complete your study program in Canada, you have a letter from your school that confirms all students in your program need to complete work placements to get their degree, and your co-op placement or internship totals 50% or less of your study program. If you haven’t already applied for your study permit: you can apply for a co-op work permit at the same time as your study permit application.

Work permit for the spouse or common-law partner of a student

Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible for an open work permit while you are studying in Canada as a full-time student.

Eligibility

Your spouse or common-law partner is eligible for an open work permit if you:

have a valid study permit and are a full-time student at one of these types of schools: a public post-secondary school, a private college-level school in Quebec, or a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law.

Processing time

Usually takes several months.

Permit duration

Your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit will be valid for the same period of time as your study permit.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

International students may be eligible for an open work permit called the post-graduation work permit, which provides the opportunity for graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience that can be used to apply for permanent residency later on.

When to apply	You should apply for a post-graduation work permit within 180 days of getting your final marks.
If the study permit expires before getting final marks	You can either apply for a visitor record to stay in Canada longer or leave Canada and apply for your PGWP.
If the study permit expires while in Canada	You must apply for restoration of your status as a student to apply for your PGWP and pay additional fees.
Eligibility	You can apply for a PGWP if your study permit is still valid or, you have a valid visitor record or, you submitted an application to extend your permit before it expires AND no decision has been made on your application or, you submitted an application to change your status to visitor before your study permit expired AND no decision has been made on your application. You must also have: completed a study program at a designated learning institute that was at least 8 months long and that led to a degree, diploma or certificate maintained full-time status as a student in Canada during each semester of your study program (with the exception of the final semester) graduated from a qualifying program
One-time only	You can only apply for the post-graduation work permit once.