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.
Study and Work in Canada
If you’re considering studying and work experience in Canada, here are some opportunities that may be of interest to you. The following programs are being introduced on a pilot basis in selected provinces.
Nova Scotia
Additional Year of Work Experience
Some international students in Nova Scotia will now have an opportunity to gain an extra year of valuable Canadian work experience. Through this pilot program, international students who graduate from a publicly funded college or university in Nova Scotia may work for two years in the province in a field related to their course of study. Currently, international students who graduate from a publicly funded Canadian post-secondary institution may work in Canada for up to one year in their field of study.
To qualify, graduates must have completed two years of study at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Nova Scotia. International students receiving Government of Canada scholarships are not eligible. This program is in effect until May 2, 2006.
Further details are available in English at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/04/0408-pre.html.
Manitoba
Work Off-Campus
Some international students in Manitoba now have an opportunity to gain off-campus work experience. Through this pilot program, full-time international students who have completed one year of study at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Manitoba may apply for an open work permit. This allows them to work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week while registered as full-time students, and to work full-time during holiday periods. Currently, full-time international students may only work on the campus of the Canadian institution where they are registered. This pilot project is in effect until September 30, 2005.
Further details are available in English at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0346-pre.html.
Saskatchewan
Additional Year of Work Experience
Some international students in Saskatchewan will now have an opportunity to gain an extra year of valuable Canadian work experience. Through this pilot program, international students who graduate from a publicly funded college or university in Saskatchewan may work for two years in the province in a field related to their course of study. Currently, international students who graduate from a publicly funded Canadian post-secondary institution may work in Canada for up to one year in their field of study.
To qualify, graduates must have completed two years of study at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Saskatchewan. International students receiving Government of Canada scholarships are not eligible. This program is in effect until May 31, 2007.
Further details are available in English at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/04/0409-pre.html.
Alberta
Additional Year of Work Experience
Some international students in Alberta will now have an opportunity to receive a two-year work permit without the need for further government approvals. Currently, international students who graduate from a publicly funded Canadian post-secondary institution may work in Canada for up to one year in their field of study. This pilot project will be in effect until December 31, 2006.
Further details are available in English at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/03/0341-pre.html.
British Columbia
Agreement Signed
An agreement has been signed between the Province of British Columbia and Citizenship and Immigration Canada, part of which will relate to international students. Specific details have not yet been determined. Full details of this agreement can be viewed at www.cic.gc.ca/english/press/04/0406-pre.html.