An international student with a still-valid study permit (no extension needed) asked whether they could work full-time in the gap between finishing one study program and starting another.
What the group clarified:- No — a valid study permit alone does not grant full-time work rights between programs. The group was direct: this isn't the same as a scheduled academic break (like winter or summer break) or holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), both of which do allow full-time work.
- The distinction matters: 'between programs' is not automatically treated the same as 'academic break.' Even though the study permit remains valid, the work-hour rules attached to it are tied to being an active student during a recognized term, not simply holding a valid permit document.
- If you want to work full-time in this gap, you'd generally need a different status — such as a PGWP (only available after program completion, if eligible) — rather than relying on the study permit itself.
Takeaway: don't assume a valid study permit alone lets you work full-time between two programs — that right is tied to being on a recognized academic break or holding a work permit like the PGWP, not just permit validity.