Can International Students Work Off Campus, and How Many Hours?
Yes, if you qualify. Most full-time post-secondary international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus during their academic session, without a separate work permit, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter break. You need a valid study permit that allows off-campus work, a social insurance number (SIN), and to be studying full-time in an eligible program that has already started.
Who can work off campus?
You can work off campus without a work permit only if you meet all of these conditions:
- You're a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- You're in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program (or a secondary-level vocational program in Quebec).
- Your program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Your program has already started.
- You have a valid study permit, or applied to extend it before it expired.
- Your study permit includes a condition allowing off-campus work.
- You have a social insurance number (SIN).
If your permit is missing the work condition but you're eligible, you can ask IRCC to add it at no cost. It must be approved before you apply for a SIN.
How many hours can I work?
| When | Off-campus hour limit |
|---|---|
| During your academic session | Up to 24 hours per week |
| During a scheduled break (e.g. summer, winter break, reading week) | Unlimited |
| Program with no scheduled breaks | 24 hours per week all year |
A few details matter:
- The 24 hours is a total across all your off-campus jobs.
- If your permit says 20 hours a week, IRCC reads it as allowing 24, as long as you still meet the requirements.
- Scheduled breaks are the ones your school sets. You can still take courses during the break without losing unlimited hours.
- Self-employed students count every hour spent earning money, providing paid services, selling or collecting commission.
- Working remotely for an employer outside Canada doesn't count toward the 24 hours, as long as you meet your permit conditions.
Who can't work off campus without a work permit?
- Students whose study permit says they can't work off campus.
- Students only taking English or French as a second language, or general-interest courses.
- Students only taking prerequisite courses before starting a full-time program.
- Students on an authorized leave from their studies, or switching schools and not currently studying.
- Part-time students, except in their final semester (see below).
What if I'm part-time in my last semester?
You can still work off campus if you're in your last semester, you don't need a full course load to finish your program, and you were studying full-time in Canada until then. You must still meet all the other conditions.
What about co-op and internships?
Work placements that are a required part of your program follow separate rules. Since April 1, 2026, most post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for a mandatory placement, provided the placement makes up no more than half of the program and your school confirms it's required. Check the conditions with your school's international office.
Can I keep working after I finish my program?
Only in specific cases. You can work full-time after finishing if you applied for a work permit, such as a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), before your study permit expired and the application is still pending. You can also keep working if you start a new full-time program within 150 days of finishing the last one. If your work permit application is refused, you must stop working.
What happens if I work more than 24 hours?
Working more than allowed breaks your study permit conditions. It can lead to losing your student status, being refused future study or work permits, or being asked to leave Canada. It can also cause problems later when you apply for a PGWP or permanent residence. Keep your own record of hours and pay stubs.
Common mistakes we see
- Counting hours per job instead of in total. The 24-hour limit covers all off-campus jobs combined.
- Working before classes start. Off-campus work is only allowed once your program has begun.
- Assuming any time off is a break. Only breaks scheduled by your school allow unlimited hours.
- Working after finishing without a pending permit application. This is unauthorized work and can affect future applications.
Every situation is different. Book a consultation with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, for a review of yours.
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Frequently asked questions
How many hours can international students work off campus in Canada?
Up to 24 hours per week during the academic session, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks set by the school.
Can international students work full-time in the summer?
Yes, if summer is a scheduled break in your program and you meet the other eligibility conditions.
Do international students need a work permit to work off campus?
No, as long as they meet all the conditions, including full-time study in an eligible post-secondary program and a study permit that allows off-campus work.
Does remote work for a foreign employer count toward the 24 hours?
No. Remote work for an employer outside Canada doesn't count toward the limit, as long as you meet your study permit conditions.
Can I work off campus while studying part-time?
Only in your final semester, if you don't need a full course load to finish and you studied full-time until then.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's Work off campus as an international student page (last updated April 15, 2026). Verified October 29, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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