Are part-time jobs allowed during studies and what are the conditions related to the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa in Canada for a Diploma?
Yes, part-time work is allowed for Diploma students in Canada, up to 24 hours weekly off-campus during classes and full-time during breaks. The Student Direct Stream has been permanently discontinued, so Diploma applications now go through the standard processing stream without a 20-day fast track.
If you are applying for a Diploma program in Canada, you can work part-time under the same general rules as other international students, but you should know that the immigration pathway you may have been counting on has changed. Your part-time work rights remain solid, while your visa application route now follows the standard process rather than a fast-tracked one. Understanding both pieces will help you plan your timeline and your budget correctly.
Part-Time Work Rules for Diploma Students
| Work Type | Hour Limit |
|---|---|
| Off-campus during classes | Up to 24 hours/week |
| During scheduled school breaks | Full-time, no weekly cap |
| On-campus roles | Generally no strict hour cap |
Why the SDS No Longer Applies to Your Application
The Student Direct Stream, which once offered expedited processing for residents of specific countries including India, has been permanently discontinued by the Canadian government. Your Diploma application will now go through the standard study permit stream, without the previous 20-day fast-track guarantee. You will still need a Letter of Acceptance from a recognized DLI, a Provincial Attestation Letter unless exempt, proof of funds including the cost-of-living requirement of CAD 22,895 for your first year outside Quebec, and your required language test scores such as IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE Core.
My Advice
Since the SDS fast track no longer exists, build extra processing time into your application timeline and start gathering your Provincial Attestation Letter and proof of funds documents well ahead of your intended intake.
How much can you actually earn part-time in Canada?
See how part-time work fits into your total budget and visa funds.
More Cost & living questions
- What is the lowest undergraduate tuition fee I can expect to pay at a Canadian university for the 2026 academic year?
- How much would I pay in first-year tuition for the International MBA program at York University, Toronto?
- How much monthly rent should I expect to pay for accommodation in Austria as an international student?
- If I get an education loan, can I proceed with the application after the loan amount is clear?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
- How do I get an education loan for an MBA abroad as an Indian student?
More Canada questions
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- What are the options for pursuing a master's in psychology or clinical psychology given my bachelor's background in biology in Australia/Canada?
- Will there be any problems if I do my studies offline abroad given the education structure is different from India in Ireland/Canada?
- What should I do to improve my chances of going to Canada as a teacher?
- Which Sociology master's options in Canada suit a Sociology graduate with IELTS 7.5 for the January 2027 intake?
- What is the minimum budget required for studying abroad in Canada or Ireland for two years?
- How does the University of Calgary's MBA placement rate compare with the University of Alberta's?