Hey everyone,

I just got a job offer from a local company and was excited—until I double-checked my study permit and saw the condition: “Not authorized to work.” I’ve been full-time since September, and my program is co-op eligible. I’m not sure what this means for my ability to work off-campus or even do my co-op term.

I know the rules say international students can work up to 20 hours per week during school, and full-time during breaks, but I’ve never seen that condition listed directly on my permit before. Now I’m wondering:
- Does this “not authorized to work” note automatically block off-campus work, even if I’m full-time and eligible?
- If I need to fix this, what exact documents should I gather to request a correction from IRCC?
- And if I’m doing a co-op, do I need a separate work permit, or does my current permit with a co-op designation cover it?

I’ve checked the official IRCC page, and it says you can work off-campus if you’re full-time and your program includes a co-op or internship. But I’m not sure how to prove that to an employer, or if I even need to. Some employers are asking for proof of work eligibility—what should I show them?

I’m also confused about the difference between the condition on the permit and the actual rules. If I’m eligible under the regulations, can I still work even if the condition says otherwise? Or should I assume I need to get it corrected before starting?

I’d really appreciate hearing from others who’ve seen this before—especially those who’ve dealt with job offers or co-op placements after seeing this exact condition.

What would you check first if you saw this on your permit? And what details do you think matter most when proving your work eligibility to an employer?

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