Breaking News: International Students can now work 24 hrs per week in Canada

Highlights: Canada Raises Off-Campus Work Limit for International Students to 24 hours per week

• From November 2024, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions, up from the previous 20-hour limit.
• Students are allowed to work unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks, including summer, winter, and reading weeks, without requiring a separate work permit.
• The updated rule applies to full-time students enrolled in Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) for programs lasting at least six months leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• With over one million international students currently in Canada, the change offers greater financial flexibility while helping them gain valuable work experience.
• The IRCC has emphasized strict compliance, warning that exceeding the 24-hour limit could result in loss of student status or removal from Canada.

*Want to study in Canada? Let Y-Axis guide you with the process.
 

What’s New in Canada’s Off-Campus Work Policy

Canada’s updated off-campus work rules reflect the country’s effort to balance student support with academic integrity. The change follows the expiry of the temporary policy (introduced post-pandemic) that allowed international students to work full-time off campus.
 

Under the new 24-hour rule, students can now:

• Work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions.
• Hold multiple part-time jobs, provided total hours stay within the weekly limit.
• Work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks if they were full-time before and after the break.

This regulation helps international students gain Canadian work experience, manage living expenses, and prepare for future career and PR pathways such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and Express Entry.
 

According to IRCC, the goal is to “support international students in gaining work experience and managing their expenses responsibly,” while restoring a manageable balance between work and study.
 

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Who Is Eligible to Work off Campus under Canada’s New 24-Hour Rule

To qualify for off-campus work without a separate work permit, international students must meet specific IRCC conditions:

• Be a full-time student enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Be registered in an academic, vocational, or professional training program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Have started their study program before beginning off-campus work.
• Students in their final semester with a reduced course load remain eligible if they were previously full-time.

However, students enrolled in English or French language training, general interest, or prerequisite programs cannot work off campus unless they obtain a valid work permit.
 

Also, read…

Can I study in Canada for less than 6 months?
 

Rule Enforcement and Compliance

IRCC has made compliance a key priority under the new system. Students found working beyond 24 hours per week during academic sessions will be in violation of study permit conditions, a serious offense that can lead to:

• Loss of student status
• Ineligibility for future study or work permits
• Deportation or removal from Canada

Students are encouraged to track and record their working hours accurately to avoid unintentional violations. This rule applies equally to self-employed students, who must document the hours spent on income-generating work.
 

Social Insurance Number (SIN) Requirements

To legally work in Canada, every international student must hold a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
 

Your study permit should include the following authorization:

“May work 24 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.”
 

If the text is missing, students can request to add the condition for free before applying for a SIN through Service Canada.
 

Those who change their study program or institution must ensure that the new course continues to meet off-campus work eligibility criteria. Failing to update study permit conditions can result in non-compliance.
 

Also, read…

Canada issued 20,611 ITAs in October 2025. Register your EOI now!
 

Canada Clarifies Work Rules for Students Awaiting Post-Graduation Work Permits

Graduates waiting for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) decision can continue to work full-time if they applied before their study permit expired. Students enrolling in a new full-time program within 150 days of completing their previous one can also work full-time until classes begin. This structured system replaces temporary measures introduced during the post-pandemic labor shortage and marks a return to Canada’s long-term immigration strategy — maintaining student welfare while preserving educational focus. With over 1 million international students in Canada, this rule ensures a more sustainable approach to student employment, balancing work experience, academic success, and immigration compliance.
 

*Want to apply for Canada PGWP? Talk to experts at Y-Axis for complete assistance.
 

Why This Matters for Indian Students

Indian students make up nearly 40% of Canada’s total international student population, according to IRCC data. The revised 24-hour limit:

• Gives students more flexibility to manage rising living costs.
• Ensures continued academic focus and compliance.
• Offers a structured path to gain Canadian work experience before applying for PR.
• Reduces the risk of violating study permit terms, ensuring long-term immigration success.

For Indian students planning to study in Canada, understanding and adhering to these rules is essential for maintaining legal status and eligibility for future work permits or permanent residency.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with Canadian immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!
 

For recent immigration updates, check out Y-Axis Canada immigration News!
 

FAQs

What are the current off-campus work rules for international students in Canada?

International students in Canada can work off campus while studying if they meet specific eligibility criteria under their study permit. Currently, they can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays. A temporary measure introduced in 2022 allowed eligible students to work more than 20 hours per week, but this policy is set to expire soon. Students must ensure that their study permit explicitly authorizes off-campus employment and that they remain enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).

How many hours can international students work off campus in Canada?

As per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), international students are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. They may work full-time during scheduled breaks. However, from November 2022, Canada introduced a temporary policy allowing eligible students to work more than 20 hours weekly to address labor shortages. This temporary exemption is expected to end on April 30, 2026. After this date, the standard 20-hour limit per week will likely be reinstated unless new regulations are announced.

When will the temporary 40-hour work policy for international students in Canada end?

The temporary public policy allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus is scheduled to end on April 30, 2026. This policy was introduced to help address Canada’s labor shortages and provide students with greater financial support opportunities. After its expiry, students are expected to follow the original rule of working a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time only during scheduled breaks. IRCC has stated that any future changes will be communicated officially before the policy ends.

What are the eligibility criteria for working off campus in Canada as an international student?

To work off campus in Canada, an international student must hold a valid study permit that includes a condition allowing off-campus employment. They must be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) in an eligible program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. The program must be at least six months long. Students must also have started their studies before working and maintain satisfactory academic standing. Those on an authorized leave of absence or studying part-time in their final semester may still be eligible under certain conditions set by IRCC.

Can new international students work more than 20 hours per week in Canada?

New international students who begin their studies after the temporary work hours policy expires will only be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off campus during regular academic sessions. Students who had applied for a study permit or extension before December 7, 2023, may still benefit from the temporary measure allowing more than 20 hours per week until April 30, 2026. It is important for new students to check the conditions on their study permit and the latest updates from IRCC before accepting off-campus employment.

How do the new off-campus work rules affect students already studying in Canada?

Students currently studying in Canada who meet the eligibility criteria and applied for a study permit or extension before December 7, 2023, can continue to work more than 20 hours per week off campus until April 30, 2026. This flexibility helps current students gain more work experience and manage living expenses. However, after the temporary measure ends, all students will need to comply with the standard 20-hour weekly limit during academic sessions. It’s essential for students to monitor IRCC updates to stay compliant with work authorization conditions.

What happens if an international student works more hours than permitted in Canada?

Working beyond the permitted hours without authorization is considered a violation of study permit conditions in Canada. Such a breach can lead to serious consequences, including loss of student status, future visa ineligibility, or even removal from the country. Students must ensure they understand and follow the conditions outlined on their study permit and any updates from IRCC. Employers also have an obligation to verify that their student employees are authorized to work. Maintaining compliance helps students protect their immigration status and future opportunities in Canada.

Can international students work full-time during scheduled breaks under the new rules?

Yes, international students in Canada can work full-time during regularly scheduled breaks such as summer, winter, or spring holidays, provided they are enrolled full-time before and after the break. This rule remains unchanged under both the standard and temporary work policies. Students must ensure that the break is part of their academic calendar and not a personal decision to pause studies. Working full-time during authorized breaks allows students to gain valuable experience and supplement their income without violating immigration regulations.

How do the off-campus work rules impact dependents of international students in Canada?

The off-campus work rules apply only to the primary international student, not their dependents. However, spouses or common-law partners of international students may be eligible to apply for an open work permit, allowing them to work full-time while the student pursues studies in Canada. This helps families maintain financial stability and integrate better into Canadian society. Dependents must ensure their work permits are valid and comply with all IRCC regulations. The student’s eligibility for work does not automatically extend to dependents without proper authorization.

What should international students know before applying for part-time jobs in Canada?

Before applying for part-time jobs, international students should confirm that their study permit allows off-campus work and that they meet all IRCC eligibility requirements. They should apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work legally in Canada and ensure their job does not interfere with academic performance. It’s also important to know the permitted work-hour limits and comply strictly with them. Students should look for jobs that provide flexibility during exam periods and focus on opportunities that enhance their professional skills and Canadian work experience.