Work Permit vs Study Permit in Canada: Which One to Choose?

If you are thinking about coming to Canada to study or work—or maybe both—you are not alone. Every year, thousands of foreign nationals apply to enter Canada through a study permit or a work permit, but many are unsure which path is right for them. Understanding the difference between a work permit and a study permit in Canada is crucial before you apply. This article will break it all down clearly, so you can make an informed decision that suits your goals, finances, and long-term immigration plans.

What Is a Work Permit in Canada?

A work permit is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows a foreign national to legally work in Canada for a specific employer, or in some cases, for any employer. It is not a visa, but it gives you the authorization to earn income while living in Canada.

There are two main types of work permits:

• Employer-specific work permit: This restricts you to working for one employer in one location, and typically requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless you are exempt.

• Open work permit: This allows you to work for any employer in Canada, without needing a job offer beforehand. Open work permits are often issued to spouses of skilled workers or international students, and in some cases through international agreements or humanitarian programs.

What Is a Study Permit in Canada?

A study permit is a document issued by IRCC that allows a foreign national to study at a designated Canadian educational institution (DLI). It is required for most post-secondary study programs that are longer than six months.

To qualify, you must:

• Have a letter of acceptance from a Canadian post-secondary institution

• Show proof of enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses

• Be admissible to Canada (this may include a medical exam or background check)

• In some cases, provide a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if you plan to study in Quebec

A Canadian study permit also allows most students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during scheduled breaks, as long as certain conditions are met.

Key Differences: Work Permit vs Study Permit in Canada

There are some key differences between these two permits that go beyond their basic purpose. Below is a comparison table to help visualize the main contrasts.

Can I Work with a Study Permit in Canada?

Yes, most international students can work while studying in Canada. If you are a full-time student at a DLI and meet other criteria, your study permit will usually authorize you to work:

• Up to 20 hours per week during the academic year

• Full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays

As of 2025, IRCC continues to allow some flexibility for international students due to post-pandemic economic recovery efforts, though the 20-hour limit remains standard. If your program includes a mandatory co-op placement, you will also need a separate co-op work permit.

Can I Study with a Work Permit in Canada?

Yes, but with restrictions. If you hold a valid work permit, you may take part-time or short-term courses for personal or professional development without needing a study permit. However, you cannot enrol in a full-time academic program unless you first apply for a study permit.

This is especially important for foreign workers who want to upgrade their credentials or pivot careers. For anything more than a short-term course, you must submit a separate study permit application and be accepted into a Canadian learning institution.

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Pathway

If your goal is to stay and work in Canada after completing a study program, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is worth considering. PGWPs are available to students who complete an eligible full-time program at a DLI that is at least eight months long. The work permit can be valid for up to three years, depending on the length of your study program.

The PGWP is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer. It also gives you valuable Canadian work experience, which is critical if you later apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or other PR streams.

Career Goals: Short-Term vs Long-Term

Choosing between a study permit and a work permit depends on what you are hoping to accomplish in Canada.

If you are looking for immediate job opportunities and have an offer from a Canadian employer, applying for a work permit may be more practical. This is especially true for skilled trades, IT roles, or workers under international agreements.

However, if your long-term goal is Canadian permanent residency, studying in Canada can be a strategic first step. It provides work authorization, access to PGWP, and often leads to job opportunities after graduation.

Cost Considerations

In general, studying in Canada is more expensive than coming on a work permit. You will need to show proof of funds for tuition, rent, food, and other living expenses—typically around CAD 20,000-25,000 per year, depending on your location and school. That said, international students who stay and transition to PR often find the investment worthwhile.

Work permit applicants, by contrast, are not required to pay tuition, but may need to show sufficient settlement funds and obtain a job offer that meets LMIA requirements.

Province-Specific Advantages

Some provinces in Canada have their own immigration and settlement advantages. For example:

• Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, PEI, New Brunswick) offers faster pathways to PR under the Atlantic Immigration Program

• Quebec has unique study and work permit rules, including the requirement of a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for students

• Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) prioritize graduates of local institutions or workers in shortage occupations

Choosing where you study or work can affect your long-term immigration options.

Switching from a Study Permit to a Work Permit (or Vice Versa)

If you are already in Canada on a study permit and receive a job offer, you can apply for a closed work permit or a PGWP, depending on your eligibility. Conversely, if you are working in Canada and want to start studying full-time, you will need to submit a study permit application and await approval before enrolling in a full-time academic program.

It is not possible to study full-time or work full-time under the wrong type of permit without violating your status.

Can You Hold Both Permits at Once?

Yes. You can apply for an additional permit. However, you must

• be eligible for both permits

• show the officer that you can study and work at the same time

When you apply, include a letter to explain how you’ll do this. Give details about how you’ll balance your work schedule with your studies. If you apply online, upload this letter in the Client information part of your document checklist.

Workers who can study without a study permit

You may be eligible to study without a study permit if you are in either of the following situations:

• You have a valid work permit that was issued on or before June 7, 2023.

• You must have been issued a letter on or before June 7, 2023, authorizing you to work while we process your work permit application.

PR Pathways: Which Permit Is Better?

Both study permit holders and work permit holders can eventually apply for permanent residency—but the timelines and criteria differ.

• Study permit holders may qualify for a PGWP, then apply for PR under Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

• Work permit holders may already be working in NOC TEER 0-3 occupations and qualify directly for Express Entry

• Applicants in Quebec or the Atlantic provinces may have specific PR pathways through provincial streams

The best route depends on your education, experience, language skills, and whether you have a job offer or Canadian credentials.

Dealing with Visa Officers and Applications

Whether you are applying for a study permit or a work permit, your application must convince a Canadian visa officer that:

• You are eligible for the permit

• You have sufficient funds and ties to your home country

• You intend to respect the terms of your stay in Canada

A poorly prepared application, or one missing key documentation, can result in delays or refusals. In either case, legal support may improve your chances.

Make the Right Move for Your Future in Canada with AKM Law

Choosing between a work permit and a study permit is not just a paperwork issue—it is a decision that can shape your career, finances, and immigration future. At AKM Law, we help clients figure out which option is best for their goals, explain the application process clearly, and prepare strong submissions for IRCC.

Whether you are looking to study in Canada, transition to a post-graduation work permit, or apply for PR through your current employer, our team can support you every step of the way.

Book a consultation today to learn which Canadian permit is right for you.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.