Maple News reports the May 2026 update on off-campus work rules for international students in Canada. The standard cap remains 24 hours per week during academic terms, with unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. The biggest change is the April 1, 2026 elimination of the separate co-op work permit.
Eligibility: To work off-campus without a separate work permit, you must hold a valid study permit, be a full-time student at a designated learning institution, be enrolled in a post-secondary program of at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, have started your studies, and have a Social Insurance Number. Your study permit must state that you are authorized to work.
Who isn’t eligible: ESL/FSL students, preparatory or pathway programs, general-interest courses, or exchange students; part-time students are generally ineligible, with the exception for final-term students who are finishing required courses and thus work off-campus under the standard rules.
Scheduled breaks: Breaks published in your school’s calendar allow the 24-hour cap to be lifted, provided you remain enrolled in the term immediately before and after the break. Breaks must last at least seven days; statutory holidays on their own don’t count. You can accumulate unlimited hours off-campus for up to 180 days per calendar year.
April 2026 change: No more co-op work permits for eligible programs. As of April 1, 2026, eligible post-secondary students can participate in mandatory co-op placements or internships without a separate permit, if certain conditions are met: valid study permit with on-campus work authorization, full-time enrollment at a designated learning institution, a program at least six months long leading to a degree/diploma/certificate, and a work placement that totals 50% or less of the program. Secondary-level students still require a co-op permit; ESL/FSL learners remain ineligible. If you already had a co-op permit application in process on April 1, IRCC will automatically withdraw it.
Study permit conditions and reporting: Permit conditions require ongoing enrollment and compliance with terms, including not exceeding authorized work. Institutions report student enrollment to IRCC, and CRA payroll data may be used for compliance checks. Keep timesheets and pay stubs; you may need them for permit renewals, PGWP, or permanent residence applications.
Remote work for foreign employers: Working remotely from Canada for a non-Canadian employer does not count toward the off-campus cap. However, you should consider tax residency rules and foreign-source income with guidance from the CRA.
What happens if you go over: Unauthorized work is a violation of your study permit conditions and can lead to loss of student status, denial of future study or work permits, and potential removal from Canada. In severe cases, it can trigger inadmissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, and misrepresentation can carry a five-year bans.
Quick reference: The 24-hour weekly cap applies when classes are in session; breaks allow unlimited hours for up to 180 days per year; co-op work permits were simplified in April 2026; ESL/FSL and many preparatory programs remain ineligible; keep records; consult an immigration professional if you’ve exceeded the limit.