With graduation season in full swing and a fresh wave of international students prepares to begin their studies in Canada, it’s the perfect time to revisit an important (and often confusing) topic: work eligibility while studying on a permit.
Whether you’re wrapping up your program, in the middle of a semester, or about to start classes, understanding when you’re allowed to work and how much is important. Working when you’re not authorized can put your status at risk, so let’s break it all down in a clear and simple way.
🎓 FULL-TIME STUDENTS
📅 Before Your First Program Starts
Just arrived in Canada and waiting for your first day of classes?
- Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to work until your program officially begins.
📚 While You’re Studying:
If you’re in the middle of a semester, your ability to work depends on your enrollment status:
- Full-time students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus.
🏖️ Scheduled Breaks: Summer, Winter, and Other Holidays
Need to earn some extra money during your break? Good news:
- You’re allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks, but only if you were enrolled full-time both before and after the break.
- These breaks must be part of your school’s official academic calendar.
📬 After Classes End, While Awaiting Final Grades
Finished your exams and just waiting for your results?
- You can continue to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus until you receive official written confirmation that your program is complete.
🚫 After Receiving Confirmation of Completion
Once your school confirms you’ve completed your program:
- You must stop working immediately even if your study permit is still valid.
- You should not resume working until you have applied for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
📝 After Applying for a PGWP
If you have submitted your PGWP application, you’re eligible to:
- Work full-time, if:
- You applied within 180 days of receiving confirmation of completion, and
- You had a valid study permit at the time of PGWP submission.
🔄 Between Programs: Short Breaks Before Your Next Start Date
If you’re starting a new program within 150 days of finishing the previous one:
- You can work full-time during the break, provided:
- Your study permit is still valid, and
- You were a full-time student in the program you just completed.
⏳ Maintained Status: Waiting for a Permit Decision
If you’ve applied to extend your study permit or change your status:
- Planning to apply for a PGWP? You’ll need to wait until it’s approved before working again.
🕒 PART-TIME STUDENTS
📖 During the Semester
- ❌ Not allowed to work
🎓 In Your Final Semester (If You Were Full-Time Until Now)
- ✅ You may work part-time off-campus.
Final Thoughts
Understanding your work rights as an international student in Canada is essential, not just for staying compliant with immigration rules, but also for protecting your future opportunities, like the PGWP or permanent residency.
📌 Always make sure your school break is officially recognized and consult your school’s international student office or a licensed immigration consultant.
