Planning to work while studying in Canada? IRCC explains key rules after permit refusals of Indian students

Canada has reinforced that working without proper authorization can have serious immigration consequences, with foreign nationals risking removal from the country, a five-year ban on returning and a permanent fraud record with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The guidance also said unauthorized work could affect future visa and permanent residence applications while leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

IRCC said most foreign nationals need a valid work permit before they can work in Canada. Holding a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) does not give visitors the right to work, and most visitors are not eligible to apply for a work permit from within Canada.

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The department also flagged common signs of immigration fraud. These include individuals demanding payment in exchange for a work permit or job offer, promising permanent residence through employment, asking for money or documents over social media, claiming workers can stay beyond the validity of their permit, or offering free accommodation in return for work.

Follow your work permit conditions

IRCC said workers must carefully follow the conditions listed on their work permit, including restrictions on the employer, occupation and work location. Failing to meet these conditions could make a person inadmissible to Canada and lead to removal from the country.

Workers planning to stay longer should apply for an extension at least 30 days before their permit expires, the department said. Those who apply before the expiry date can remain in Canada under maintained status while their application is processed. However, anyone who leaves Canada during this period loses the right to work until the new permit is approved. Workers can also apply to change the conditions on their permit, including their employer, occupation or work location.

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IRCC said foreign nationals must stop working if their work permit expires before they apply for a new one or if they fail to comply with the conditions attached to their permit. Only individuals exempt from requiring a work permit can continue working without one, provided they maintain valid temporary resident status.

Rights of foreign workers

The guidance said temporary foreign workers are protected under Canadian labour laws. Employers must pay workers for their work, provide a safe workplace and cannot confiscate passports or work permits. Workers can contact provincial or territorial labour authorities to seek information or report workplace issues without requiring their employer's permission.

For employer-specific work permits, employers must provide a signed employment agreement setting out the job role, working conditions, wages and hours of work. Keeping a copy of the agreement can help resolve future employment disputes, IRCC said.

Rules for international students

International students can work only if their study permit specifically allows on-campus or off-campus employment, IRCC said. They must also stay within the permitted off-campus work hours, as exceeding the limit may result in the loss of student status, affect future study or work permit applications and require them to leave Canada.

Students who want to work after graduation generally need a work permit. Eligible graduates who apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can work full-time while their application is being processed if they meet IRCC's eligibility requirements. Those who do not qualify must wait until their work permit is approved before starting a new job.