StudyCanada guide · reviewed October 2026
Working while studying
Do not assume that every student or program allows work. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, program and permit conditions.
Consult the official rules before accepting a job or internship. Language-only studies do not automatically provide the same work options as an eligible academic program.
- Read your permit conditions
- Verify the rules for your program
- Check separately for internships and post-graduation work
Official resources
My study plan →Read the current guide on this topic →Historical record
The original text is preserved below.
Work and Study in Canada
On-Campus Work
Full-time students registered in a degree or diploma-granting course are allowed to work on the campus of the institution at which they are registered without the need for an employment authorisation. For more information see the Working on Campus section of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Off-Campus Work
The Off-Campus Work Permit Program allows foreign students at some publicly-funded post-secondary educational institutions in Canada to work off campus while completing their studies. For eligibility and requirements see the Working Off-Campus section of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Post-Graduation Work
The post-graduation work program allows some graduating students to gain Canadian work experience in their field of study. Since May 16, 2005, this program has allowed certain students to work for up to two years after their graduation. For eligibility and requirements visit the Post-Graduation Work Permits section of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Other Work and Study Programs
Eligibility and requirement information on work permits for students at private institutions, work permits for spouses or common-law partners, and co-op and internship programs can also be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.