International students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions — and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. That is the 2026 rule as confirmed by IRCC.
But the details matter. The rules differ by where you work, whether you’re in co-op, and what counts as a “scheduled break.” Getting this wrong can put your study permit at risk.
Off-Campus Work: The 24-Hour Rule
During your academic session — meaning while classes are in progress — you can work off-campus for a maximum of 24 hours per week. This limit applies per week, not averaged over a month.
Working 30 hours in one week and 18 the next does not average out to 24. Each week stands alone.
To work off-campus, your study permit must include a condition that explicitly allows it. Most study permits issued after 2014 include this automatically, but older permits may not. Check the conditions printed on your permit before you start working.
On-Campus Work: No Hour Limit
On-campus work is different. If you work for your institution — the university itself, a research lab it runs, or a business physically located on campus that primarily serves students — there is no weekly hour limit.
You can work full-time on campus even during the academic session. The catch: the position must be genuinely on-campus and connected to the school. A Tim Hortons inside a university building is not always on-campus employment under IRCC’s definition.
Scheduled Breaks: You Can Work Full-Time
During scheduled breaks — summer, winter holiday, reading week — international students can work unlimited hours off-campus, provided:
- You are enrolled in a program and plan to return after the break
- Your study permit is still valid during the break period
- Your permit allows off-campus work
The break must be an official scheduled break recognized by your institution. Self-declared breaks do not count.
Co-op and Internships
Co-op placements and mandatory internships are handled separately. These require a co-op work permit on top of your study permit. Hours worked under a co-op permit do not count toward your 24-hour weekly limit.
If your program requires a co-op component and your school is a designated learning institution (DLI), you apply for the co-op permit when you apply for your study permit — or afterward if the requirement was added later.
What Happens If You Exceed 24 Hours?
Violating your work conditions is a breach of your study permit. IRCC can revoke your permit and require you to leave Canada. In practice, enforcement comes up most often when students apply to renew or when they later apply for PR — a history of work violations surfaces during background checks.
It is not worth the risk. If you need more income, look at on-campus opportunities or apply for a co-op permit if your program qualifies.
The Rule Change That Confuses Many Students
Before November 2024, international students in Canada temporarily had the right to work unlimited hours off-campus. This was a COVID-era measure that ended. Since then, the 24-hour cap is back in effect. If you arrived during the unlimited period and assumed the rule was permanent, it is not.
Quick Reference Table
| Work Type | During Academic Session | During Scheduled Break |
|---|---|---|
| Off-campus employment | Max 24 hrs/week | Unlimited |
| On-campus employment | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Co-op / mandatory internship | Unlimited (separate permit) | Unlimited |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 24-hour limit apply to multiple jobs?
Yes. The 24-hour cap is total across all employers combined. If you work 15 hours at one job and 12 at another, you have already exceeded the limit.
Can I work more hours if my school says it’s okay?
No. Your school cannot override IRCC immigration conditions. Only the federal government sets work hour limits for study permits.
Do hours worked on a co-op permit count toward the 24-hour cap?
No. Co-op work permit hours are counted separately.
What counts as “during the academic session”?
Any week where you have active classes counts. The week reading week starts, or the first week of finals, still count as academic session weeks unless your school designates them as official breaks.
I have a part-time study program — does the 24-hour rule still apply?
Yes. Part-time enrollment does not change the off-campus work limit. The 24-hour cap applies regardless of your course load.
Related Pages on Canadianow
- How to Extend Your Work Permit in Canada
- Can International Students Work More Than 40 Hours in Canada?
- How to Get Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) — from your scheduled posts
For the authoritative source on this topic, see IRCC.
Not sure how this affects your own eligibility? Get a personalized report on your CRS score and which Express Entry or PNP category actually fits your situation.
