Maple News reports that international students in Canada are now allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions—a policy change that officially came into effect on November 15, 2024. The previous cap was 20 hours per week.
The adjustment, announced earlier this year by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aims to strike a balance between financial support and academic success. “The new 24-hour weekly limit provides students with more flexibility to work without negatively impacting their studies,” Miller said during the announcement.
Outside of regular academic sessions—such as during winter and summer breaks—students are permitted to work unlimited hours off-campus. This includes traditional employment, as well as self-employment opportunities like driving for Uber or making deliveries through platforms such as DoorDash.
The rule change is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to better regulate international student programs and ensure academic integrity while addressing labour shortages in certain sectors. However, violating work authorization limits can have serious consequences, including the loss of student status, denial of future study or work permits, and even removal from Canada.
Under the current regulations, international students are still allowed to work an unlimited number of hours if employed on campus or if working remotely for employers outside Canada, regardless of the season.
To be eligible for off-campus work without a separate work permit, international students must:
– Hold a valid study permit
– Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
– Be actively pursuing studies in good academic standing
– Be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program of at least six months leading to a diploma, degree, or certificate
– Possess a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Importantly, students must be studying full-time before and after academic breaks in order to be eligible to work full-time during those periods. For instance, students cannot begin working full-time before starting their first semester.
Maple News will continue to monitor and report on changes affecting international students studying and working in Canada.