International students in Canada may work off‑campus for up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session and for unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, but the rules governing what counts as work, what qualifies as a break, and how compliance is monitored have been updated through 2025‑2026. The most significant change took effect on 1 April 2026, when the separate co‑op work permit was eliminated.
Current off‑campus work limit
- During academic terms: maximum 24 hours per week.
- During scheduled breaks: unlimited hours (subject to a total of 180 days per calendar year).
- On‑campus work: unlimited hours under a separate rule.
Eligibility for off‑campus work (without a separate work permit)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Study permit | Must be valid and explicitly state that the holder is authorized to work. |
| Institution | Full‑time enrolment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). |
| Program | Post‑secondary academic, vocational or professional program (or secondary‑level vocational program in Quebec) of at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate. |
| Start date | Work may begin only after classes have started. |
| SIN | A Social Insurance Number is required. |
Ineligible categories
- Students enrolled in ESL/FSL language programs.
- General‑interest or self‑improvement courses.
- Preparatory or pathway programs taken before the main study program.
- Exchange students attending a Canadian DLI through a foreign‑institution exchange.
- Part‑time students, except those in their final term who are part‑time only because they are completing required courses.
What counts as a “scheduled break”
A scheduled break must be listed in the institution’s official academic calendar, last at least seven days, and the student must be enrolled in the term immediately before and after the break. Typical breaks include:
- Winter break (late December to early January)
- Reading week / spring break
- Summer term (provided the student is enrolled in both the preceding spring term and the following fall term)
Statutory holidays alone do not qualify. Breaks that do not qualify:
- Vacation taken during an active term.
- Gaps between programs where the student is not enrolled before and after.
- Breaks in a program where the student was not enrolled on either side.
April 2026 change: elimination of the co‑op work permit
Effective 1 April 2026, eligible post‑secondary international students no longer need a separate work permit for mandatory co‑op placements or internships. The new criteria are:
- Valid study permit (or a pending extension filed before expiry) that authorises on‑campus work.
- Full‑time enrolment at a DLI.
- The DLI confirms the placement is a mandatory component of the program.
- Program length of at least six months, leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.
- Required work placement must represent 50 % or less of the overall program duration.
Secondary‑level students and ESL/FSL students remain subject to the previous co‑op permit requirement. Applications already in process on 1 April 2026 are automatically withdrawn.
Study‑permit conditions and compliance monitoring
Designated learning institutions report student enrolment data to IRCC, and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) payroll information is also accessible to immigration officials. Students must retain timesheets and pay stubs to prove compliance when applying for:
- Study‑permit renewals
- Post‑Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
- Permanent‑residence applications
Remote work for a foreign employer
Work performed remotely from Canada for a non‑Canadian employer does not count toward the 24‑hour off‑campus cap, because the cap applies only to work performed in Canada for Canadian employers. However, foreign‑source income may still be subject to Canadian tax residency rules; newcomers should consult CRA guidance on residency and foreign income.
Consequences of exceeding the 24‑hour limit
Working more than the authorized hours breaches study‑permit conditions and can lead to:
- Loss of student status and possible removal from Canada.
- Ineligibility for future study or work permits.
- Potential finding of inadmissibility under section 41 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
- If misrepresentation is alleged, a five‑year inadmissibility period under section 40 may apply.
Quick reference: who can work off‑campus and how many hours
| Situation | Eligible to work off‑campus? | Hours allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Full‑time student, classes in session | Yes | Up to 24 hours/week |
| Full‑time student, scheduled break | Yes | Unlimited |
| Final‑term student, part‑time only because of remaining courses | Yes | Up to 24 hours/week |
| Student in ESL/FSL program | No | — |
| Student in preparatory or pathway program | No | — |
| Co‑op placement (post‑April 1 2026) | Yes, no separate permit needed | As required by placement |
| Exchange student at a Canadian DLI | No | — |
| Remote work for a foreign employer | Yes (does not count toward cap) | Unlimited (subject to tax rules) |
| Studies not yet started | No | — |
| Studies completed (graduated, awaiting PGWP) | No (until PGWP issued) | — |
If you have already exceeded the limit
- Stop working immediately and document the period of non‑compliance.
- Seek advice from a licensed immigration lawyer or consultant before any future permit renewal or PGWP application.
- Be prepared to provide a clear explanation and supporting records to IRCC; proactive disclosure is preferable to discovery during processing.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
