In general, no: IRCC's on-campus and off-campus work rules cover post-secondary students, and a regular secondary school student is not among the eligible groups.
- Eligible programs: IRCC lists post-secondary academic, vocational or professional programs. The only secondary-level program named is vocational training in Quebec.
- The 24-hour rule: The limit of 24 hours per week off campus during academic sessions applies to eligible post-secondary students. It is often quoted to families, but it does not apply to high school students.
- Permit conditions: The study permit itself states whether work is allowed. Working without authorization breaks the conditions of the permit and can affect future applications.
- Unpaid placements: Community involvement hours required for graduation are part of schooling. For any co-op or work placement, ask the school to confirm in advance whether a co-op work permit is needed.
- After high school: Once the student is enrolled full time in an eligible post-secondary program and has started classes, the post-secondary work rules apply.
Please note: Work rules change; check the conditions printed on the study permit and the IRCC website.
Official sources: IRCC: Work off campus as an international student · IRCC: Work on campus
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