Many international students in Canada are eligible to work while studying, but the rules depend on where the work takes place and whether classes are in session, and these rules have changed more than once in recent years. Confirming the current policy before relying on it is essential.
On-campus work
Eligible study permit holders can generally work on the campus of the institution they attend without needing a separate work permit, provided they meet the underlying conditions of their study permit, including being a full-time student in an eligible program.
Off-campus work
Eligible students can generally also work off campus without a separate work permit, subject to a maximum number of hours per week while classes are in session. This weekly hour limit has been adjusted by IRCC more than once in recent policy cycles — including temporary periods where the cap was lifted entirely — so the current limit should always be confirmed directly rather than assumed from past rules.
Scheduled breaks
During scheduled breaks in the academic calendar — such as summer or winter holidays — eligible students are generally permitted to work full-time hours, without the weekly cap that applies during term. To qualify, students typically need to have been enrolled full-time before the break and intend to continue their studies afterward.
What can put your work eligibility at risk
Working beyond the permitted hours, working off campus without meeting eligibility conditions, or falling out of full-time enrolment can jeopardize both your work eligibility and your study permit status itself. Because the consequences can extend well beyond a single job, students should treat the current hour limits and eligibility conditions as firm rules to confirm each term, not general guidelines.