Today, Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, has announced a new regulation allowing eligible international students in Canada to work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms.

This new change is effective as of November 8, 2024, marks an increase from the previous 20-hour limit, providing students with more flexibility to balance work and studies.

What the New Regulation Means

The updated rule is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the integrity and functionality of the International Student Program (ISP).

It offers international students the opportunity to gain additional work experience and financial support without compromising their primary objective of studying.

Key highlights of the change include:

• Increased Work Hours: Students can now work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic terms if they are eligible to work off campus.
• Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing DLI.

Eligibility to Work Off Campus

Not every international student in Canada is automatically eligible to work off campus.

To ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws, students and employers must confirm eligibility before starting employment.

Who Can Work Off Campus

To work off campus without a work permit, students must:

1. Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Study in an eligible program, which includes:
   • Post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programs.
   • Vocational training programs at the secondary level in Quebec.

1. Enroll in a program lasting at least six months and leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. Hold a valid study permit with conditions allowing off-campus work.
3. Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Restrictions

Students are not allowed to work off campus if:

• They are enrolled in English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) programs, general interest courses, or preparatory courses.
• Their study permit explicitly prohibits off-campus work.
• They are on an authorized leave or between institutions without active enrollment.

Steps to Start Working

For international students eager to take advantage of this new rule, the following steps are essential:

1. Check Study Permit Conditions

Ensure that your study permit states one of the following conditions:

• “May work off campus or full-time during regular breaks.”
• “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria.”

If your permit lacks these conditions, you can request an amendment to add them, free of charge.

2. Obtain a SIN

A Social Insurance Number is mandatory to work in Canada. To apply for a SIN, students must present a valid study permit with the required work conditions.

3. Comply with Hourly Limits

Students must track their working hours to ensure compliance:

• During Academic Terms: Work up to 24 hours per week.
• During Scheduled Breaks: Work an unlimited number of hours, provided you are a full-time student before and after the break.

Implications of Violating Work Conditions

Exceeding the 24-hour limit during academic terms or working while ineligible can result in serious consequences:

• Loss of student status.
• Ineligibility for future immigration programs, including study or work permits.
• Potential removal from Canada.

Students are responsible for maintaining accurate records of their working hours and demonstrating compliance with study permit conditions.

Flexibility for Self-Employed Students

Self-employed students must also adhere to the 24-hour weekly limit. Hours are calculated based on time spent earning wages, commissions, or performing services.

Transitioning Between Institutions

The new regulations also require international students to obtain a new study permit before transferring between institutions.

This measure aims to improve program integrity and accountability within the ISP.

Working After Graduation

Graduates have opportunities to work full-time under specific conditions:

1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Students can work while awaiting a decision on their PGWP application, provided they were eligible for off-campus work during their studies.
2. Starting a New Program: Students transitioning to a new study program can work full-time during the interim period, subject to specific conditions.

To maintain the integrity of the ISP, designated learning institutions must report on the enrollment status of international students twice a year.

Students who fail to meet enrollment requirements risk investigation and enforcement actions.

This change aligns with Canada’s commitment to supporting its diverse community of international students.

By allowing up to 24 hours of work per week, students gain enhanced opportunities to fund their education, gain valuable Canadian work experience, and contribute to the economy.

The flexibility to work full-time during academic breaks further enables students to maximize their earnings while adhering to immigration requirements.

Canada’s decision to allow international students to work up to 24 hours per week off campus provides a welcome boost to students striving to achieve academic and financial success.

By adhering to the updated regulations, international students can take full advantage of this opportunity while continuing their educational journey in Canada.

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