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Canada work permit vs study permit: which do you need?

Quick answer. A study permit lets you study at a designated learning institution in Canada (and usually work limited hours); a work permit lets you work for an employer, and often needs a job offer (sometimes an LMIA). After graduating, an eligible student can get a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to work in Canada — the common bridge from studying to working.

Study permit

Required to study a program longer than six months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI). It typically allows limited on/off-campus work while you study. It is not a work visa — its purpose is study, and you must remain enrolled.

Work permit

Lets you work in Canada, usually for a specific employer. Many work permits need a job offer and, for employer-specific permits, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit for eligible graduates of Canadian institutions — a key route from student to worker to, sometimes, PR.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work on a study permit in Canada?
A study permit usually allows limited work hours while you are enrolled full-time at a DLI, subject to the current rules. For full-time work after graduation you would apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Always check the current conditions on IRCC.

Sources

Related guides: How to apply for a Canada study permit in 2026 (after the SDS closure) · Canada Express Entry and PR explained (for Punjab applicants)

Find licensed help: Immigration & visa consultants · Study-visa consultants · Cost estimator

Reviewed against official government sources; figures that change (fees, fund thresholds) are dated and linked — always verify at the source. — Recepta Editorial.

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Last updated: 2026-07-13