Are you planning to study abroad or study in the maple leaf country? Besides studying, working overseas is a great opportunity to gain practical experience, expand relationships and cover some living expenses.
However, Canada's immigration policy has always been changing. To avoid the unfortunate risks affecting Study Permit (School permits) and future immigration routes, let's get up to date with the latest regulations on part-time jobs for Canadian students in 2026 below!
1. Regulations on Overtime Hours
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has adopted very specific regulations regarding off-campus work hours for international students:
- During the main course (In-session): You are allowed to do more than 24 hours/week. This regulation helps students to balance between studying and working, avoiding overload affecting learning results.
- During official holidays (Scheduled breaks): You are allowed to work Unlimited number of hours (full-time) during officially recognized school holidays such as Winter Break, Spring Break, Summer Break or inter-semester transition periods.
Conditions for legal overtime work:
To be allowed to work outside of school without applying for a separate work permit, you must meet the following criteria:
- Owned Study Permit is still valid and has provisions for working outside of school.
- As a student full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Being enrolled in an academic, professional or vocational training program with a long term from 6 months or more, resulting in the issuance of degrees, except diplomas or certificates.
- Have a Canadian Social Insurance Number (SIN - Social Insurance Number).
2. Important Notes to Avoid Violating the Immigration Law
Many international students accidentally violate the regulations by not understanding the following small but extremely important terms:
- Do not go to work before the start date of the course: You are strictly not allowed to start a part-time job (whether on-campus or off-campus) before the official start date of the first semester indicated on the letter of admission.
- Not applicable for language course: If you are coming to Canada to study English (ESL) or French (FSL) preparatory courses, or non-degree skills courses, you not allowed work part-time outside of school.
3. Important New Points From 2026
2026 marks new advances in the management and support of international students from IRCC:
Free Co-op Work Permit for many internship programs (From 01/04/2026)
Previously, students enrolled in a program with a mandatory internship (Co-op) were required to apply for a separate work permit called Co-op Work Permit.
- Latest update: Since the date of 01/04/2026, IRCC has abolished this requirement for the majority of mandatory internship programs that integrate in the formal coursework at DLI schools (if the regulatory standards are fully met). This eases cumbersome administrative procedures, helping students quickly start their internship.
Tightened reconciliation of earnings data and diligence
IRCC is now enhancing transparency by linking, collating data directly with Canadian Tax Agency (CRA) and receive periodic reports on class status from DLI schools.
💡 Advice from experts: Always proactively repost all payslips (salary slip), Timesheet, employment contracts and personal tax returns. These will be extremely important legal evidence when you are renewing your Study Permit, applying for a Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) or applying for an Express Entry (PR) later.
4. Serious consequences of overtime
Working overtime (even accidentally) is considered illegal by the Canadian government. If you are caught, you can face very severe penalties:
- Violation of Study Permit Conditions: This resulted in the immediate cancellation of the current study permit.
- Loss of opportunity to apply for PGWP: IRCC reserves the right to refuse your Post-Graduation Work Permit application if it is found that you have worked overtime during your studies.
- Affect the settlement roadmap: History of violations of immigration laws will become a big black spot in later PR applications.
- Expulsion: In severe cases, violating students may be ordered to be deported (Deportation Order) and banned from entry back to Canada for a long time.
Conclusion
Working part-time is a great experience to help you quickly integrate into Canadian life, accumulate "soft skills" and beautify your CV. However, always put your studies first and strictly comply with legal regulations to make your journey to conquer the Canadian dream as complete and safe as possible!
If you have any questions about part-time work regulations or need support with your study pathway, please leave a comment or contact us for detailed advice!
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