Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has issued a stern warning to international students: working beyond the permitted hours is a direct violation of study permit conditions, carrying severe penalties including removal from Canada, a permanent fraud record, and a five-year ban from re-entering the country.
The federal immigration authority clarified that students are only allowed to work if their study permit explicitly states so. For those authorized to work off campus, the maximum is 24 hours per week while classes are in session.
Consequences of Exceeding Work Hours
IRCC emphasized that exceeding work limits is not treated as a minor administrative issue. Violations can lead to removal from Canada, a permanent fraud record with IRCC, and a five-year re-entry ban. Additionally, such violations reduce the likelihood of future applications being approved, including applications for permanent residence.
Beyond legal penalties, IRCC cautioned that students working without proper authorization are more vulnerable to unsafe working conditions, wage theft, abuse, threats, and forced or unpaid labor.
"Working more than you are allowed is a violation of your study permit conditions, which can have serious consequences," IRCC said in a post on its official X account.
Working After Graduation
For students who complete their programs and wish to remain in Canada to work, a separate work permit is required. Some graduates qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), while others may be eligible for different work permit categories.
Students who have applied for a PGWP are allowed to work full-time while awaiting a decision, provided they held a valid study permit when they submitted the application, completed their study program, and did not exceed their authorized working hours while studying. Students who do not meet all three conditions must wait until their work permit is approved before starting any new job.
IRCC also reminded visitors that holding a valid electronic travel authorization or visitor visa does not grant the right to work in Canada, and that most visitors are not eligible to apply for a work permit from within the country.
Guidance for Students
Students with concerns about their permit conditions were advised to review their documents carefully and contact the relevant provincial or territorial employment standards office for guidance on labor rights, which apply to foreign workers regardless of their permit type.
In a similar development, Legit.ng reported that Canadian immigration authorities have reminded international students, including Nigerians, that they must meet the conditions of their study permits before taking up employment, warning that unauthorized work could lead to deportation, a five-year re-entry ban and other immigration penalties. The advisory was issued by IRCC as part of updated guidance explaining who can legally work in Canada and the consequences of violating immigration rules.
