Canada now permits international students to work up to 24 hours a week

Canada has updated its regulations to allow eligible international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. This change aims to provide students with more opportunities to gain practical work experience while still prioritizing their academic commitments.

Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, explained that the increased work hours strike a balance between offering valuable employment opportunities and ensuring that students remain focused on their studies. “This adjustment will offer students greater flexibility to manage their time and gain hands-on experience,” Miller said.

In October 2022, Miller highlighted the importance of work experience for international students, noting, “With Canada’s economy growing faster than new workers can be hired, it’s essential to explore all options to ensure we have the skilled workforce needed for growth. Immigration will play a key role in addressing our labour shortages. By enabling international students to work more while studying, we can help meet critical needs in various sectors, while providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable Canadian work experience and contribute to Canada’s recovery and long-term prosperity.”

Key Changes to the International Student Program

Under the new rules, international students in Canada are now permitted to work full-time during academic breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays. These breaks provide students with the chance to boost their earnings without interfering with their studies, helping them achieve greater financial stability while continuing their education.

The updated regulations aim to help students balance work and study more effectively. By raising the weekly work limit to 24 hours, Canada is offering more employment opportunities while still ensuring that academic commitments are the priority, promoting a manageable study schedule.

Additionally, designated educational institutions are now required to submit biannual reports to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), confirming students’ enrollment and academic progress. This ensures students are meeting the conditions of their study permits, supporting the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program.

A new rule also requires international students to seek approval before transferring to a different Designated Learning Institution (DLI). If students wish to change institutions, they must apply for a new study permit to ensure compliance with permit conditions and maintain academic standards across Canada’s educational institutions.

In Quebec, international students can work off-campus without needing a separate work permit, provided they meet certain criteria. To qualify for the new work opportunities, students must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary, vocational, or professional training program, or a vocational program at the secondary level. The program must last at least six months and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

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