Post-study work is often the ROI question for Canada. Details below; full destination context is in the country guide.
Can I Work While Studying in Canada?
Yes. International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, and full-time during scheduled breaks - this limit was raised from the previous 20-hour cap. There's no cap on on-campus work hours. Staying within these limits matters beyond just income: work-hour violations can jeopardize your eligibility for a future PGWP.
What Is the PGWP? (Post-Graduation Work Permit)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit is an open work permit - no job offer or employer sponsorship required - that lets eligible graduates work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, in any role. Duration depends on your program length:
- Programs 8 months to under 2 years: PGWP valid for the same length as your program
- Programs 2 years or longer: PGWP valid for up to 3 years
- Master's degree programs: eligible for a 3-year PGWP regardless of program length, as long as it's at least 8 months
A few things worth knowing:
- Since November 1, 2024, most applicants need a valid language test result (CLB/NCLC 7 for degree graduates) submitted with their application
- Diploma and certificate graduates must be in a program on IRCC's PGWP-eligible field-of-study list - frozen at 1,107 programs for all of 2026, with no additions or removals until at least 2027
- Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD graduates are exempt from the field-of-study restriction entirely
- You can only receive a PGWP once in your lifetime, so if you're completing multiple programs, it's often worth timing your PGWP application after your longest one
- The PGWP is a strong stepping stone to permanent residency - in 2025, roughly 42% of Express Entry invitations went to PGWP holders
Get personalized study abroad advice
Chat with our AI advisor about this destination guide - tailored to your profile.
Start conversation
