Find out if you need a work permit

You said you’re

  • the main or principal applicant
  • not applying for permanent residence at this time
  • not a refugee in Canada

Are you any of the following?

  • youth (aged 18 to 35) interested in a travel and work experience
  • international student in Canada
  • recent graduate of a Canadian designated learning institution
  • recent graduate from Hong Kong

Not sure? Maybe these definitions will help

Full-time student
A student with a study schedule that includes at least 15 hours of instruction per week during the academic year. This includes any period of training in the workplace that is part of the student’s studies.
Designated learning institution
To be eligible for a student permit, you must be accepted at a designated learning institution. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are automatically designated. Post-secondary schools must be on the designated learning institution list.
Study permit holder who can’t support themselves
A study permit holder who can no longer support themselves for reasons beyond their control, such as a war or natural disaster in their home country.
International Experience Canada

An exchange program that allows Canadian and foreign youth, age 18 to 35, to work and travel through reciprocal arrangements between Canada and partner countries usually for up to 1 year at a time.

If your country doesn’t have an agreement with Canada, you need to use a recognized organization (RO) to take part in the program. ROs are youth service organizations that offer work and travel support to youth. They can be non-profit, for profit, or educational. Most ROs charge a fee for their services.

You can also answer a few more questions to see if another type of work permit might be right for you.

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2025-07-31