How many hours can you work as an international student in Canada?

Starting this fall, international students in Canada will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an increase from the current limit of 20 hours.

The change was announced in April by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who stated that the new 24-hour cap “strikes the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes.”

Although the exact implementation date is yet to be confirmed, the new rule is expected to take effect sometime in this month. Until then, international students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work. Off-campus work includes areas outside the educational institution and its campus, including self-employment roles like Uber or DoorDash deliveries.

Not abiding by the rules could have consequences including losing a student status, not being approved for a study or work permit in the future and even having to leave the country.

Note: Until the new hourly cap is officially announced, the 20-hour limit to off-campus work remains in place.

Who is allowed to work as an international student in Canada? 

Students are only allowed to work on-campus or off-campus while studying if their study permit states this information. To get an off-campus job without a work permit, international students need to meet the following eligibility requirements.

• Have a valid study permit; 

• Study full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI); 

• Already have started studying at their DLI and remain in satisfactory academic standing; 

• Be studying in an academic, vocational, or professional training program that is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate; and 

• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN). 

They have to be a full-time student before and after a break to work full-time during the break. For example, students can’t start work before they start their first school semester. 

Part-time students at DLIs can work off-campus if they’re in their final semester, need a reduced course load to finish, and were a full-time student in previous semesters. 

Likewise, there are some international students who are not eligible for off-campus in Canada. This includes: 

• Students only enrolled in an English or French as a second language program; 

• Those only taking general interest courses; 

• Those taking courses to be accepted to a full-time program; and 

• Those don’t meet requirements to work off-campus. 

If one of the above applies, they will need a work permit to work while studying in Can