Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, introduced a new policy permitting eligible international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms.
Effective November 8, 2024, this change increases the previous limit of 20 hours, offering students greater flexibility in managing both work and academic commitments.
What the Updated Policy Covers
The updated rule is part of Canada’s continued efforts to improve the International Student Program (ISP) and ensure it remains effective and reliable.
This change gives international students the chance to gain more work experience and earn extra income, while still focusing on their main goal of studying.
Key points of the update include:
- Increased Work Hours: Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms if they are authorized to work off-campus.
- Study Permit Requirement: Going forward, international students must apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing their Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Who Can Work Off Campus?
Not all international students in Canada are automatically eligible to work off campus. To stay in line with Canadian immigration rules, both students and employers need to verify eligibility before starting any job.
To work off-campus without a work permit, students must meet these requirements:
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be studying in an eligible program, which includes:
- Post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programs.
- Vocational training programs at the secondary level in Quebec.
- Be enrolled in a program that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a valid study permit that allows off-campus work.
- Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Restrictions
Students cannot 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 specifically prohibits off-campus work.
- They are on authorized leave or not actively enrolled in a program between institutions.
How to Begin Working
For international students looking to take advantage of the new work rule, here are the necessary steps:
1. Verify Study Permit Conditions
Make sure your study permit includes one of the following conditions:
- “May work off campus or full-time during scheduled breaks.”
- “May accept employment on or off campus if eligible.”
If your permit doesn’t include these conditions, you can request a free amendment to add them.
2. Apply for a SIN
To work in Canada, you’ll need a Social Insurance Number (SIN). To get one, you’ll need to present your valid study permit with the necessary work conditions.
3. Follow Hourly Work Limits
It’s important to keep track of your work hours to stay within the limits:
- During Academic Terms: You can work up to 24 hours per week.
- During Scheduled Breaks: You can work as many hours as you want, as long as you are a full-time student before and after the break.
Consequences of Violating Work Rules
Working beyond the 24-hour limit during academic terms or working without eligibility can lead to serious consequences, such as:
- Losing your student status.
- Being disqualified from future immigration programs, including work or study permits.
- Possible removal from Canada.
Students must keep accurate records of their work hours and ensure they are following the conditions set out in their study permit.
Options for Self-Employed Students
Self-employed students must still follow the 24-hour weekly work limit. This includes any time spent earning wages, commissions, or providing services.
Transferring Between Institutions
Under the new rules, international students must apply for a new study permit if they plan to transfer to a different institution.
This requirement is designed to enhance the integrity and accountability of the International Student Program (ISP).
Employment After Graduation
Graduates have the chance to work full-time under certain conditions:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates can work while waiting for their PGWP application to be processed, as long as they were eligible for off-campus work during their studies.
- Starting a New Program: Students who begin a new study program can work full-time during the transition period, as long as they meet the required conditions.
To ensure the integrity of the International Student Program (ISP), designated learning institutions must report the enrollment status of international students twice a year.
Students who don’t meet enrollment requirements may face investigations or other enforcement actions.
This update reflects Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting its international student community. By allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week, the new policy helps them earn money for their education, gain valuable work experience in Canada, and contribute to the Canadian economy.
Additionally, the option to work full-time during academic breaks gives students the chance to earn more while still following immigration regulations.
Can students work multiple jobs to reach the 24-hour limit?
Yes, students can have more than one part-time job, as long as the total hours worked do not exceed 24 hours per week during academic terms.
Do remote jobs count towards the 24-hour limit?
Remote work for Canadian employers counts towards the 24-hour weekly limit. However, work for employers based outside of Canada is not included.
Can students work while waiting for a study permit extension?
Yes, students can work if they’ve applied for a permit extension before their current permit expires and if they meet all eligibility requirements.
By following the updated rules, international students can make the most of this opportunity while still pursuing their studies in Canada.
