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IRCC Reminds International Students Their Study Permits Must Explicitly Permit Work
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a reminder to international students that they may work in Canada only if their study permit explicitly allows it. The agency warned that violating work conditions can lead to serious consequences, including loss of student status and possible removal from Canada.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), IRCC highlighted key rules for students who plan to work while studying:
• Work is permitted only if the study permit conditions state that it is allowed. • Students eligible to work off‑campus may work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. • Working more than the permitted hours violates the study permit and can result in serious penalties.
The guidance explains that a study permit lists the terms that govern employment. Holding a permit does not automatically grant permission to take a job. Students are urged to review their permits carefully before accepting any employment.
If a student works beyond the allowed limit, they risk losing their student status. Non‑compliance can also affect future applications for study or work permits, and in some cases may require the individual to leave Canada.
IRCC’s broader warning about unauthorized work notes additional risks, such as removal from Canada, a permanent record of fraud with IRCC, a five‑year ban on returning, and potential harm to future permanent residence applications. Unauthorized workers also face higher risks of unsafe conditions, wage theft, abuse, and forced or unpaid labour.
For students who wish to work after graduation, IRCC states that a post‑graduation work permit (PGWP) is generally required. A graduate who has applied for a PGWP may work full‑time while awaiting a decision, but only if they had a valid study permit at the time of application, completed the program, and had been eligible to work off‑campus without exceeding the allowed hours. Those who do not meet these conditions must wait for their work permit before starting a new job.
IRCC also warns of scams, such as offers that promise a work permit or job in exchange for payment, requests for documents or payment through social media, or promises of free room and board in return for work. Students who work legally are protected by Canada’s labour laws and can contact provincial or territorial labour standards offices without employer permission.