Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Pick a PGWP-eligible school

Study permit → PGWP → PRStudy in CanadaStep · of 13

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Work while you study

Depending on your permit's conditions you may work on campus, off campus, or in a student work placement.

Waiting on: Collect the permit at the border

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step · of 13 · OptionalClose

Work while you study

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepWorking in Canada as an international studentcanada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

Depending on your permit's conditions you may work on campus, off campus, or in a student work placement. Since 1 April 2026 post-secondary students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for placements such as internships.

Why it's required: Working beyond what your permit allows is a status problem. It can end your studies, and the PGWP that was supposed to follow them.

Co-op permitNo longer neededFor post-secondary student work placements, since 1 April 2026.

Hours off campusCappedA limit applies during study terms; check the current figure.

Your spouseMay qualifyAn open work permit is available to some students' partners.

Documents you'll need

Your study permit, showing its work conditions
A Social Insurance Number
Proof you're enrolled full-time

Before this step

BlockedCollect the permit at the border

This is the last step of the pathway.