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Up to 3 years’ work permit after graduating

Study in Canada, with a route to work afterwards

Canada lets students work 24 hours a week and can give graduates a work permit of up to 3 years. The rules tightened in 2024 to 2026, so getting the programme and paperwork right matters more than ever.

Check my optionsHow the permit works

Why Canada

What Canada offers

  • Work 24 hours a week during term, unlimited in scheduled breaks.source
  • Post-graduation work permit of up to 3 years, including after a master’s of 8 months or more.source
  • No attestation letter for master’s and doctoral students at public institutions from 1 January 2026.source

Not every college or programme leads to a work permit. We check eligibility before you apply, not after.

Study permit

Getting your study permit

  1. Letter of acceptanceFrom a designated learning institution (DLI).
  2. Provincial or territorial attestation letterNeeded by most applicants, except master’s and doctoral students at public institutions from 1 January 2026. Quebec uses the CAQ instead.source
  3. Proof of fundsCAD 23,448 a year for living costs (single applicant outside Quebec, applications from 1 September 2026), plus first-year tuition and travel.source
  4. Apply before you travelThe fee is CAD 150. Processing times vary by country.source

FAQ

Questions we’re asked about Canada

How much money do I need for a Canadian study permit?

For a single applicant outside Quebec applying on or after 1 September 2026: CAD 23,448 a year for living costs, plus your first year’s tuition and travel.

Do I need a provincial attestation letter (PAL)?

Most applicants do. From 1 January 2026, students in a degree-granting master’s or doctoral programme at a public institution are exempt. Quebec has its own certificate (CAQ) instead.

Can I work while studying in Canada?

Up to 24 hours a week off campus during term, and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks.

Can I stay and work after graduating?

A post-graduation work permit (PGWP) can be up to 3 years. A master’s programme of at least 8 months can lead to a 3-year PGWP. Most applicants now need language test results, and not every programme is eligible.

Thinking about Canada?

We check that your programme leads to a work permit and that your funds and documents meet the rules, before you pay any fees.

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Sources (checked 12 October 2026)

This page is general information, not immigration advice. Rules change, so we check them again for your case.