Question 1

What is the difference between a closed and open work permit?

Accepted Answer

A closed work permit ties you to one employer (and often one job). An open work permit lets you work for most employers in Canada. Spousal work permits, PGWP, and some other streams are open.

Question 2

Do I need an LMIA for a work permit?

Accepted Answer

Not always. LMIA-exempt streams include intra-company transfers, international agreements (CUSMA, etc.), and some provincial or pilot programs. We can identify the right stream for you.

Question 3

Is a study permit the same as a student visa?

Accepted Answer

Not quite. A study permit is the document that authorizes you to study in Canada, while a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or eTA is the separate document or authorization that lets you travel to and enter Canada, depending on your nationality. Most students need both a study permit and either a TRV or eTA to enter and study in Canada.

Question 4

What is the difference between a study permit and a work permit?

Accepted Answer

A study permit authorizes you to enroll in a program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada; it may also let you work limited hours off campus while you study, depending on your eligibility. A work permit authorizes you to work for a specific employer (closed) or for most employers (open), but does not on its own authorize you to study a program of more than six months. Many people move between the two - for example, a study permit holder can later apply for a post-graduation work permit.

Question 5

Do I need a visa or eTA in addition to my work or study permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. A work permit or study permit authorizes your activity in Canada, but a separate Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) authorizes you to travel to and enter the country, depending on your nationality. IRCC typically issues both documents together when you're approved from outside Canada, but it's worth confirming which one applies to your passport before you book travel.

Question 6

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Study permit holders who meet eligibility requirements can work off campus without a separate work permit, up to a weekly hours cap that IRCC sets and periodically updates - always confirm the current limit before working. You can generally work full-time during scheduled breaks like summer and winter holidays, and a co-op work permit is needed for mandatory work placements.

Question 7

Can I work on campus without a separate work permit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible study permit holders can generally work on campus for their institution without needing a separate work permit, as long as their study permit is valid and they are enrolled full-time. On-campus work is not subject to the same off-campus hours cap, though your study permit must still authorize you to work.

Question 8

What is a co-op work permit, and when do I need one?

Accepted Answer

A co-op work permit is required when your academic program includes a mandatory work placement or internship as part of the curriculum. You apply for it alongside or after your study permit, and it is separate from any off-campus work eligibility you may already have.

Question 9

Can I work full-time during scheduled school breaks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligible study permit holders can typically work full-time, without the usual off-campus hours cap, during scheduled breaks such as winter and summer holidays and reading week, provided you were enrolled full-time in the term before and after the break. Confirm your specific eligibility with your institution and current IRCC rules.

Question 10

Can my spouse or common-law partner work while I study in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. Since 2024-2025, spousal open work permits for the partners of international students have narrowed and are generally limited to spouses of students in master's, doctoral, or select professional degree programs at public institutions. VMC confirms whether your program currently qualifies your spouse.

Question 11

Do I need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for on-campus or off-campus student work?

Accepted Answer

No. Work authorized directly through your study permit - whether on campus or eligible off-campus work - does not require an LMIA or a separate job offer process. An LMIA is only relevant if you later move to an employer-specific work permit outside of your study permit's built-in work authorization.

Question 12

What happens if I work more hours than my study permit allows?

Accepted Answer

Working beyond your authorized hours is a violation of your study permit conditions and can lead to a finding of non-compliance, which may affect future immigration applications including PGWP and PR. If you are unsure whether you have exceeded your limit, speak with VMC before it affects your status.

Question 13

Can international students work as self-employed or start a business while studying?

Accepted Answer

Generally, work authorized under a study permit is for employment, and self-employment or business income may not automatically fall within your off-campus work authorization. If you want to run a business while studying, confirm with VMC whether your specific activity is permitted or whether you need a different authorization.

Question 14

Can I switch employers while working off campus as an international student?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Off-campus work authorized through your study permit is generally open, meaning you are not tied to one employer and can work for multiple employers or switch jobs, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility conditions on your study permit (such as full-time enrollment) and stay within any applicable hours cap. This differs from an employer-specific work permit, which restricts you to one employer.

Question 15

How long is a PGWP valid?

Accepted Answer

PGWP length depends on your program length: typically 8 months to 3 years. Completing a program of 2+ years at an eligible DLI often leads to a 3-year PGWP.

Question 16

Does studying in Canada lead to permanent residence?

Accepted Answer

Studying itself does not grant PR, but it is one of the strongest pathways toward it. Graduates of eligible programs can often obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit, gain Canadian work experience, and then apply for PR through Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class or a provincial nominee stream.

Question 17

Do all study permit holders qualify for a PGWP after graduation?

Accepted Answer

No. PGWP eligibility depends on factors like your institution being a designated learning institution, your program length and type, and maintaining full-time enrollment throughout your studies (with limited exceptions). Some shorter programs, online components, and certain institutions do not lead to PGWP eligibility - confirm before you enroll.

Question 18

Does work under a co-op work permit count toward PGWP eligibility?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no. Work completed under a co-op work permit as part of your mandatory program placement is typically excluded from the calculation of your future PGWP length, since PGWP length is based on the duration of your study program rather than work terms. Confirm the specifics with VMC, since program structure and IRCC's current PGWP policy can affect this.

Question 19

Does Post-Graduation Work Permit experience count toward Express Entry's Canadian Experience Class?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the work meets CEC's requirements. Skilled work performed on a valid PGWP counts toward the Canadian Experience Class's one-year Canadian work experience requirement, provided it's in an eligible NOC TEER level (0, 1, 2, or 3), paid, and authorized. Many PGWP holders build their CEC eligibility this way and later apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Question 20

How can a licensed RCIC help with my work or study permit application?

Accepted Answer

A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant reviews your eligibility for the right work or study permit stream, helps you gather and prepare supporting documents, identifies any red flags before you submit, and represents you in communications with IRCC if issues arise. Working with a licensed RCIC - regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) - means accountable, professional guidance rather than informal advice.

Question 21

What happens if my work or study permit application is refused?

Accepted Answer

IRCC will issue a refusal letter explaining the reasons, such as insufficient funds, unclear study or work intentions, or missing documents. Depending on the reason, you may be able to reapply with stronger evidence, request reconsideration in limited circumstances, or pursue other options. We review refusal letters to identify what went wrong and help you decide the best next step.

Question 22

Can VMC help my spouse or children get their own permits or visas while I work or study in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Depending on your status and program, your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for their own open work permit, and your dependent children may qualify for study permits or visitor status. Eligibility rules for accompanying family members have changed in recent years and vary by program, so we assess your specific situation before advising on the best approach for your family.

Work & Study in Canada

Work & Study Options

Work Permits

Study Permits

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Visitor Visa

Work & Study - Frequently Asked Questions

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