Canada has introduced a major update for international students, allowing eligible students to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms.
Increased work hour limit
This change, effective November 8, 2024, increases the previous limit of 20 hours per week, and this should give the students more time to plan and work out their academic as well as financial schedules.
Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, highlighted the importance of this adjustment. “By capping the off-campus work limit at 24 hours per week, we are finding the right balance between the provision of work opportunities and student ability to concentrate on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts in preserving the integrity of the International Student Programme,” he said while reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting a positive and successful international student experience in Canada.
With the increase in work limit, international students will have a chance to increase their sources of income and experience while working and keeping up with their core education. However, this policy has set conditions to abide by the immigration laws.
Eligibility criteria to work off campus
A student is eligible to work off campus only if he or she is a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and is pursuing programmes leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Such programmes must run for at least six months and include post-secondary academic or vocational training, as well as vocational training at the level of secondary education in Quebec. Other requirements include holding a valid study permit with conditions for off-campus work and a Social Insurance Number (SIN) before commencing work.
Whereas students in English or French as a Second Language programmes, general interest courses, or preparatory ones are not permitted to work off campus. Others not included are students on authorised leaves of absence or those transferring between institutions and not registered.
