Canada has introduced a new policy that gives international students a little more room to earn while they study. Effective November 8, 2024, the weekly limit for off-campus work has been raised from 20 to 24 hours during regular school terms. The adjustment offers students added flexibility to cover living expenses without compromising their academic load.
A report by Financial Express explains that off-campus work refers to any job outside a student’s designated learning institution. It also confirms that:
“Under the revised rule, eligible international students may work up to 24 hours weekly without obtaining a separate work permit.
“They may also work full-time during scheduled academic breaks, such as summer holidays or winter recess.”
Students must still meet existing eligibility requirements. For example, those whose study permits explicitly prohibit off-campus work, as well as students enrolled solely in English or French language-training programs, remain ineligible unless they secure a valid work permit.
The update does not affect on-campus employment. Students with valid post-secondary study permits can continue working within their school facilities without a separate permit, provided they remain enrolled full-time. As the report notes:
“While off-campus work has received an update, rules governing on-campus employment remain unchanged.
“Students holding valid post-secondary study permits may work within the facilities of their university or college, provided they are enrolled full-time. This category of work does not require a separate permit, as long as students maintain valid study status.”
Canada also reiterated its stance on open work permits, which allow holders to work for almost any employer, though some may include restrictions based on location or occupation.
Authorities emphasise that the new 24-hour weekly limit must be observed strictly during academic sessions, as exceeding it could affect a student’s immigration status.
Alongside the work-hour adjustment, Canada is preparing for a major reduction in future international student admissions. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, the country is aiming for 155,000 new student arrivals—a 49% drop from the previous target. The move is intended to align student intake with available housing, public services, and labour market needs.
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