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.
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.
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 24 Hours a Week Actually Pays
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.
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.
Domestic Students: No Federal Work Restrictions
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are students face no immigration-based work restrictions. You can work any number of hours in any job while studying. The practical limitation is your capacity to study and maintain academic standing — not a legal one.
Note: Some student loan programs may reduce your funding if your income exceeds certain thresholds. Check with your provincial student assistance program if this applies to you.
Tax Obligations for Student Workers
Whether domestic or international, if you work in Canada and earn income, you have Canadian tax obligations:
- Your employer will deduct income tax, CPP, and EI from your paycheque
- You must file a Canadian tax return by April 30 for the previous tax year
- Many students get a partial or full refund of income tax withheld, since their annual income is often below the basic personal amount
- Filing taxes also makes you eligible for the GST/HST credit and other benefits
If this is your first Canadian return, see our walkthrough on filing taxes as a newcomer.
Working After Graduation
Upon completing your program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to work in Canada for up to 3 years. The PGWP is one of the most valuable pathways from study to PR — see how to get a PGWP for eligibility and timing.
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
Can international students work more than 40 hours a week in Canada?
Not during an academic session. The off-campus cap is 24 hours per week. You can exceed 40 hours only during a scheduled break, or through on-campus and co-op work, which are not subject to the weekly cap.
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 Guides
- Study Permits in Canada: Eligibility, Rules, and Your Path to PR
- How to Get Your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Student Visa to Permanent Residency: The 2026 Roadmap
- How to Extend Your Work Permit in Canada
For the authoritative source on this topic, see IRCC’s guidance on working while studying.
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.
