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Study in Canada

Working in Canada as a student, and after you graduate

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Canada lets many students work while they study, and many graduates can stay on to work. The limits matter, so check them before you accept a job.

Working while you study

You can work off campus up to 24 hours a week during regular terms, and you can combine jobs to reach that total. During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter, there is no hour limit.

You must meet all of these:

  • You are a full-time student at a designated learning institution and your programme has started.
  • Your programme is post-secondary, lasts at least 6 months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
  • Your study permit includes the off-campus work condition.
  • You have a social insurance number (SIN).

After you graduate: the PGWP

The post-graduation work permit (PGWP) lets eligible graduates work for any employer in Canada.

Length: a programme of 2 years or more can get a 3-year permit. A programme of 8 months to under 2 years can get a permit up to the same length. Master's graduates can get 3 years even after a shorter programme, if it was at least 8 months. The permit cannot run past your passport expiry, and you cannot get a second PGWP.

Main rules

  • Graduating from a DLI does not automatically make you eligible: check that your programme is PGWP-eligible.
  • You need a language test: CLB 7 (English) or NCLC 7 (French) in all four skills for university programmes, and CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for college programmes.
  • Graduates of bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes have no field-of-study rule. Other programmes must be in an eligible field if your study permit application was submitted on or after 1 November 2024.
  • You must apply within 180 days of confirmation that you completed your programme.
  • You must study full time in each semester, except your final one.

Official sources

Common questions

How many hours can I work off campus in Canada?
Up to 24 hours a week during regular terms. There is no hour limit during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays.
Do I need a social insurance number (SIN) to work?
Yes. Your study permit must carry the off-campus work condition before you can apply for a SIN. If it does not, request an amendment, which has no fee.
How long is a post-graduation work permit?
A programme of 2 years or more can get a 3-year PGWP. A programme of 8 months to under 2 years can get a permit up to the same length. Master's graduates can get 3 years even after a shorter programme of at least 8 months.
What language level does the PGWP need?
CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French for university programmes, and CLB 5 or NCLC 5 for college programmes, in all four skills.

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