Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially extended its temporary policy allowing eligible international students to work more than the standard 20 hours per week off campus. Initially introduced in November 2022, the policy will now remain in effect until April 30, 2024.
The extension is a continuation of Canada’s efforts to address ongoing nationwide labour shortages. Traditionally, international students are limited to 20 hours of off-campus work during academic sessions but are allowed full-time work during scheduled breaks such as winter holidays or reading weeks. This temporary measure overrides that limit, enabling qualifying students to work up to 40 hours a week while school is in session.
The policy applies to international students currently in Canada and those who submitted study permit applications on or before December 7, 2023. It empowers thousands of students to better support themselves financially, reducing some of the burden associated with the high cost of living, especially in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
While the announcement falls short of making the change permanent—a move many students and advocacy groups have been calling for—the extension is expected to significantly alleviate financial stress for students juggling education and living expenses. For instance, one international student from Ecuador shared that increased work hours offer vital financial relief during their academic journey in Canada.
The IRCC has stated that further details regarding eligibility and compliance under this extended policy will be made available in the coming weeks. Students are advised to ensure they remain eligible under their study permit conditions and consult with their designated learning institution (DLI) or immigration advisor if uncertain.
This move follows broader discussions on how Canada can better protect and support international students, who contribute billions annually to the economy and are considered a key part of the country’s long-term immigration and workforce strategy.
As one of the top destinations globally for international education, Canada continues to take adaptive steps in aligning its immigration and labour policies with evolving economic needs.
Maple News will continue to provide updates as new information on policy changes becomes available.