Working while studying is a financial necessity for many international students in Canada. But the rules around working hours are specific — and getting them wrong can affect your study permit. Here is exactly what you need to know for 2026.
The Current Rule: 24 Hours Per Week Off-Campus
As of 2024 and continuing in 2026, eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions (when classes are in session).
This rule replaced the temporary unlimited hours policy that was in place during the post-COVID period. The 24-hour weekly limit is now the standard.
When You Can Work Unlimited Hours
During official scheduled breaks, international students can work unlimited hours. Breaks that qualify include:
- Winter break (typically December–January)
- Summer break (typically May–August for most programs)
- Spring reading week
- Any other scheduled break in your academic calendar
The break must be a scheduled break from your program — you cannot simply stop attending and claim it is a break.
On-Campus Work: No Hour Limit
Working on campus is treated differently — there is no weekly hour restriction for on-campus work. On-campus jobs include:
- Jobs with your institution (library, cafeteria, administrative)
- Jobs with private businesses physically located on your campus
- Research positions with faculty members
You can work on-campus unlimited hours AND off-campus up to 24 hours per week simultaneously.
Eligibility Requirements
To work off-campus, you must:
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Hold a valid study permit
- Be in an academic program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
If you drop below full-time enrollment, you lose your off-campus work authorization — even if your study permit is still valid.
Do You Need a Separate Work Permit?
No — if your study permit was issued after June 2014, you are automatically eligible to work off-campus up to the 24-hour limit without a separate work permit. Your study permit itself authorizes the work.
However, if your study permit has a condition that says “may not work off-campus” or similar, you cannot work off-campus and should contact IRCC to understand your specific situation.
What 24 Hours Per Week Actually Looks Like
At Ontario’s minimum wage of $17.20/hour for 24 hours/week over a 16-week semester:
- Gross earnings: approximately $6,604
- After taxes (approximately 20% effective rate): ~$5,280
- Monthly equivalent during the semester: ~$1,320 take-home
This helps significantly with living costs but will not cover full rent and expenses in major cities. Most international students combine part-time work income with family support, scholarships, or student loans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work more than 24 hours if I find an employer willing to let me?
A: No — it does not matter if your employer is willing. Exceeding the 24-hour limit is a violation of your study permit conditions. IRCC takes this seriously and it can affect your future immigration applications including PR.
Q: Does the 24-hour limit apply per job or total?
A: Total — across all jobs combined. If you have two part-time jobs, their combined hours cannot exceed 24 per week during academic sessions.
Q: Can I work unlimited hours if I am on co-op placement?
A: Co-op placements require a separate co-op work permit if they constitute more than 50% of your program. With a co-op permit, your placement hours are not limited by the 24-hour off-campus rule — they are covered separately.
Bottom Line
In 2026, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. On-campus work has no hour limit. Stay within these limits — violating them can jeopardize your study permit and future immigration pathways including the PGWP and Express Entry.
