For many international students, studying in Canada is about more than earning a degree, diploma or certificate. It can also be an opportunity to gain practical experience, develop professional skills and build connections in the Canadian workplace.
International students who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to work while studying in Canada without obtaining a separate work permit.
And in 2026, an important change made this process simpler for many post-secondary students participating in co-op programs, internships and other required work placements.
As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit to complete student work placements that are required as part of their study program.
Here is what international students should know about working while studying in Canada in 2026.
1. Can International Students Work While Studying in Canada?
Yes—but eligibility depends on the student’s program, institution, study status and the conditions printed on their study permit.
International students may potentially work:
- On campus
- Off campus
- In a required co-op placement
- In an internship
- In a practicum or other eligible student work placement
These are not all governed by exactly the same rules.
Before beginning any employment, students should check the conditions on their study permit and make sure they meet the applicable Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requirements.
2. Working Off Campus: Up to 24 Hours Per Week During Regular Academic Sessions
Eligible international students can currently work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions without obtaining a separate work permit.
During regularly scheduled academic breaks—such as certain summer and winter holidays or reading weeks—eligible students may generally work unlimited hours, provided they continue to meet IRCC’s requirements.
This distinction is important.
The 24-hour weekly limit applies during regular academic sessions. Students should not assume that having a study permit automatically allows unlimited work throughout the year.
Students can only begin working in Canada after their study program has started.
3. Who May Be Eligible to Work Off Campus?
Eligibility is determined by IRCC, and students should always verify their individual circumstances before starting work.
Generally, international students must meet requirements related to their:
- Valid study permit
- Full-time student status
- Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Type and length of study program
- Study permit conditions
The program generally needs to lead to a degree, diploma or certificate and meet applicable IRCC requirements.
Students who are only studying English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL), taking general interest courses or taking courses required for admission into another full-time program are generally not eligible to work off campus without a work permit under the international student off-campus work provisions.
Major 2026 Change: No Separate Co-op Work Permit for Eligible Post-Secondary Students
One of the most significant changes for international students in 2026 relates to co-op programs and other student work placements.
Effective April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary international students no longer need a separate co-op work permit to participate in required student work placements.
This can include:
- Co-op placements
- Internships
- Practicums
- Other eligible work experiences required by the student’s program
Previously, international students generally needed both a study permit and a separate co-op work permit when employment was an essential component of their academic program.
The 2026 change removes that additional administrative step for eligible post-secondary students.
Instead, qualifying students may complete the required work placement under their study permit.
4. Who Qualifies for the New Student Work Placement Rules?
The removal of the separate co-op work permit requirement does not mean every international student can automatically participate in a co-op or internship.
According to IRCC, a post-secondary international student must meet specific requirements.
Generally, the student must:
1. Have the appropriate study permit conditions
The student’s study permit must include a condition allowing them to work on campus.
2. Have a valid study permit
The student must have a valid study permit or have applied to extend their study permit before it expired.
3. Be studying full-time at a DLI
The student must be a full-time student at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program.
4. Have a required work placement
The work experience must be required to complete the student’s study program.
5. Obtain confirmation from the school
The student must have a letter from the DLI confirming that the work placement is a requirement of the program.
6. Keep the work-placement component within the permitted proportion
The total student work placement cannot represent more than 50% of the overall study program.
Depending on the type of work, the student may also need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
5. Is There a Weekly Hour Limit for a Required Student Work Placement?
This is an important distinction.
IRCC states that there is no weekly hour limit for an eligible student work placement.
However, the total work-placement component cannot exceed 50% of the student’s study program.
This is different from regular off-campus employment during an academic session, where eligible international students are generally limited to 24 hours per week.
Students should therefore understand the difference between:
Regular off-campus employment
and
A required student work placement that forms part of their academic program.
They are subject to different rules.
6. Who Does Not Qualify for Student Work Placements Under These Rules?
Students are generally not eligible to participate in a student work placement under these provisions if they are studying only:
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- French as a Second Language (FSL)
- General interest courses
- Courses designed to prepare for another study program
- Courses at an institution outside Canada
Students in these situations who wish to work in Canada may need separate work authorization.
7. What About International High School Students?
The April 1, 2026 change applies to eligible post-secondary international students.
International students studying at the secondary-school level continue to have different requirements.
A secondary student who needs to complete a work placement as part of their Canadian secondary-school program generally still needs a co-op work permit in addition to a valid study permit and must meet the applicable IRCC requirements.
This distinction is particularly important for families planning Canadian K–12 education pathways.
8. Why Co-op and Work-Integrated Learning Can Matter
For international students, the value of a Canadian education should not always be measured by classroom learning alone.
Depending on the field and program, work-integrated learning may provide opportunities to:
- Apply classroom knowledge in a real workplace
- Develop Canadian workplace experience
- Build professional networks
- Understand Canadian workplace culture
- Strengthen communication and professional skills
- Explore potential career paths
- Develop a stronger résumé before graduation
This is why students comparing Canadian colleges and universities may want to look beyond tuition and rankings.
Ask questions such as:
Does the program include co-op?
Is the work placement mandatory or optional?
How long is the placement?
What types of employers typically participate?
Does the institution help students find placements?
Is the work experience directly related to the student’s field of study?
The answers can make a meaningful difference when comparing programs.
9. Working While Studying Should Be Part of a Larger Education Plan
The ability to work in Canada can be an attractive feature of international education, but employment should not be the primary basis of a student’s financial plan.
Students should arrive in Canada with sufficient financial resources to support their studies and living expenses.
Part-time employment may provide valuable experience and additional income, but job availability, working hours and earnings are never guaranteed.
A stronger approach is to consider employment as one part of a broader education and career strategy:
Education → Practical Experience → Skills Development → Graduation → Career Planning
Choosing the right program at the beginning can therefore be just as important as finding employment after arriving in Canada.
Planning to Study and Build Your Career in Canada?
At Shaws Education, we help international students and families explore Canadian education opportunities based on their academic background, career interests and long-term goals.
Our education planning services can include support with:
- School and program research
- College and university pathways
- K–12 education planning
- Programs with co-op and work-integrated learning
- Career-focused education pathways
- Language and pathway programs
- Program comparison
- Application planning
- Scholarship research
- Long-term education and career planning
When comparing Canadian programs, we encourage students to consider not only the credential they will receive, but also the skills, practical experience and career opportunities they can develop along the way.
Planning to study in Canada? Contact Shaws Education to explore education and career pathways that match your goals.
Official Sources & Further Reading
EduCanada – Government of Canada
Work while studying in Canada
Updated May 4, 2026
https://www.educanada.ca/live-work-vivre-travailler/work-travail/during-pendant.aspx?lang=eng
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Working in Canada as an international student
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work.html
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Work in a student work placement
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/intern.html
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Work off campus as an international student
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
Disclaimer: This article is provided by Shaws Education for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Canadian immigration policies, work authorization requirements and eligibility criteria may change. Students should review the latest information published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and seek appropriate professional advice where necessary.
This article was independently prepared by Shaws Education using publicly available information from EduCanada and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Shaws Education is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada.