Can you hold a work permit and a study permit at the same time? What IRCC says

Key takeaways

IRCC says you can apply for an additional permit if you already hold a work permit or a study permit
You must be eligible for both permits and show the officer you can study and work at the same time
Include a letter that explains how you will balance your work schedule with your studies
The 24-hour weekly limit is a condition for working off campus without a work permit under your study permit
IRCC does not say clearly whether that limit applies to hours worked under a separate open work permit. Check the conditions on both permits
Work experience gained while you hold a study permit will not count toward most permanent residence programs
For a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), you must keep full-time status in every semester, even while working

Can you have both permits? The short answer

IRCC’s Help Centre answer says: “Yes. You can apply for an additional permit.”

You must meet two rules:

You must be eligible for both permits.
You must show the officer that you can study and work at the same time.

IRCC also asks you to include a letter that explains how you will balance your work schedule with your studies. If you apply online, upload the letter in the “Client information” section.

How many hours can you work?

This is the part IRCC does not answer clearly. Two situations are different.

Working under your study permit (no work permit)

IRCC’s off-campus work page lists the rules. You can work up to 24 hours a week during regular school terms. You can work full time during scheduled breaks. You must meet these conditions:

You study full time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
Your program is at least 6 months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
Your study permit shows that you can work off campus.
You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

IRCC says: “Working more than 24 hours per week is a violation of your study permit conditions.”

Working under a separate work permit

We did not find an IRCC page that says whether the 24-hour limit applies to hours worked under a separate open work permit. IRCC describes the 24-hour limit as a condition for working without a work permit. We cannot tell you that hours are unlimited, and we cannot tell you that the limit applies.

Read the conditions printed on both permits. If you are not sure, ask IRCC through its web form.

If your study permit does not allow work

Some study permits have no off-campus work conditions. One example is a permit for English as a second language (ESL) courses or prerequisite courses only. IRCC says that if you want to work, “you need to apply for a work permit.”

Work experience and permanent residence

IRCC says: “The work experience you gain won’t count toward the requirements for most permanent residence programs while you hold a study permit, or study full-time without a study permit, if you’re eligible.”

IRCC says “most” programs, so check the rules of the program you plan to use. For how this affects Express Entry hours, read our post on work experience hours and reference letters.

Working while you study and the PGWP

If you want a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) later, IRCC says you must maintain full-time status during all semesters of your study program, even while working. Work hours do not replace full-time study.

The other direction: studying on a work permit

IRCC says workers can study without a study permit if they hold a valid work permit and the program is 6 months or less. For the current rules and dates, read our post on studying without a study permit.

What this means for you

You hold a study permit and want to work more than 24 hours a week: the study permit limit applies to work without a work permit. A separate work permit is a different permit, so read the conditions on both.
You hold a work permit and want to study for more than 6 months: IRCC says you can apply for an additional permit. You must be eligible and show you can do both.
You plan to apply for permanent residence: work done while you hold a study permit will not count toward most programs.
You want a PGWP: keep full-time status in every semester.

What to do next

Read the conditions on every permit you hold.
Write a short letter that explains how you will balance work and study.
Apply for the additional permit on IRCC’s website and upload the letter.
If a rule is not clear, use the IRCC web form before you work extra hours.

Read our guide on international student work rules for the full 24-hour rule and the co-op work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a work permit while I hold a study permit?

IRCC says you can apply for an additional permit if you are eligible for both and can show you can study and work at the same time.

Is the 24-hour limit gone if I have an open work permit?

IRCC does not say this clearly. Read the conditions on both permits and ask IRCC if you are not sure.

Does work during my studies count for permanent residence?

IRCC says it will not count toward most permanent residence programs while you hold a study permit.

Can I work remotely for an employer outside Canada?

IRCC says remote work for an employer outside Canada does not count toward the 24-hour weekly off-campus limit.

Sources

Facts as provided in our research brief dated October 13, 2026.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your situation, consult a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer.