Can I work 24 hours per week during studies and get a post-study work permit for one to three years depending on the course duration in Canada?
Yes, you can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session if you study full-time at a designated learning institution. You can also work unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks. Furthermore, you may qualify for a post-graduation work permit lasting between one and three years.
Navigating your work rights and post-graduation options in Canada is essential for planning your academic journey. Meeting the specific criteria set by immigration authorities ensures you remain compliant while gaining valuable Canadian work experience.
Program Duration and Post-Graduation Work Permit Lengths
| Program Type and Duration | Post-Graduation Work Permit Length |
|---|---|
| Under 8 months | Not eligible |
| 8 months to less than 2 years | Matches exact program duration |
| 2 years or more | 3-year permit |
| Eligible master's degree (under 2 years) | 3-year permit |
Key Employment Rules During Your Studies
- Work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during active academic sessions.
- Work unlimited hours during official scheduled holidays and summer breaks.
- Take on-campus jobs with your university or college without any hourly cap.
My Advice
Always maintain full-time student status and track your work hours carefully to protect your visa status. Keep your language proficiency scores updated and check all standard post-graduation work permit requirements before graduation.
How long can you stay and work after a Canadian master's?
Post-study work rules are changing. Know what you will actually get.
More Post-study work questions
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- What are the career prospects in Singapore after completing an MPH at NUS as an Indian student?
- Which Master's programs in Europe would be most suitable for someone with a B.Com (69%) and MBA (70%), given my interest in management-focused roles and lack of extensive work experience?
- Which master's course suits a Supply Chain Management graduate planning to study in Canada?
- Which is more suitable for my son's master's education: Dubai or the USA, considering cost, location, program variety, post-study work options, and pathways to permanent residency?
- Which country is more suitable for a Computer Science master's student who prioritizes lower costs and a strong job market, Germany or Ireland?
- After completing my studies, can I stay back in Ireland and apply for permanent residency for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- Can an Indian student get a job in Germany after a master's without prior work experience, especially with good German skills?
More Canada 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?
- Other than Canada and Netherlands, are there better countries to study science and technology in Germany/Singapore?
- 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?