Ottawa: International students in Canada will soon see an increase in the number of hours they are allowed to work off-campus, with the government set to raise the weekly limit to 24 hours. This marks a notable shift from the current 20-hour limit.
This adjustment comes as a response to the growing needs of international students, many of whom are seeking additional income to cover rising costs of living and tuition fees.
While the exact date of implementation has yet to be confirmed, the change is projected to happen by mid-fall. Until then, the existing cap of 20 hours per week remains in force.
The policy change was announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, who highlighted that the new 24-hour limit "ensures students have more options to work without compromising their academic progress."
This rule however does not apply to summer and winter holidays during which students can work an unlimited number of hours, enabling them to take full advantage of both part-time and full-time opportunities.
In case of violation
Students failing to comply with the work-hour limit face severe consequences such as losing their student status, being denied future study or work permits, or being asked to leave Canada.
Off-campus work explained
Off-campus work typically includes employment beyond the confines of the educational institution, allowing students to take up positions in various sectors. It also extends to self-employment, including jobs like delivering food or rideshare services.
Eligibility requirements for off-campus work
International students are permitted to work either on-campus or off-campus during their studies only if their study permit explicitly allows it. To qualify for off-campus employment without needing a separate work permit, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
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They must possess a valid study permit.
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They need to be enrolled full-time at a recognized designated learning institution (DLI).
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They must maintain good academic standing.
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Their academic program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
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A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) is also required.
Part-time students, but in their final semester who do not need a full course load to complete their program, are also eligible for off-campus work, provided they have maintained full-time enrollment in previous semesters.
Students ineligible for off-campus work
Some students do not qualify to work off-campus without a separate permit. These include
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Individuals enrolled solely in language programs (such as English or French),
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Those taking general interest courses, or
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Those in preparatory courses for full-time programs.
Students in these categories must apply for a work permit if they wish to engage in employment while studying.
No limit to on-campus jobs
Unlike off-campus work, there are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work on campus. On-campus jobs include positions within the university or college premises, such as roles with the institution itself, student groups, or businesses located on campus. Students can even engage in self-employment if their business operates within the campus grounds.
On-campus work also extends to specific research or academic roles, such as research assistants or teaching assistants, that may be affiliated with the school but located outside the main campus.
Remote work
International students can also work remotely for employers based outside of Canada, and these hours are not subject to the off-campus work-hour limitations. As long as the student adheres to the conditions of their study permit, they are free to take advantage of these remote opportunities.
Earnings
In terms of earnings, minimum wages vary significantly across provinces. For example, British Columbia has a minimum wage of $17.40 per hour, while Ontario’s is $16.55, rising to $17.20 in October 2024. Students working in regions like Nunavut, where the minimum wage is $19.00, may earn even more.
To maximize earnings, students can seek out higher-paying part-time jobs in fields such as administration, tutoring, or translation services, provided these opportunities do not conflict with their study conditions.
Evolving work policies
The 20-hour work policy has traditionally been a benchmark, disrupted only once during the pandemic when students were permitted to work up to 40 hours per week to address labor shortages and provide them with the opportunity to earn more money.
This temporary policy came to an end on April 30, 2024, with IRCC announcing it will not be extended “to ensure system integrity while protecting students from fraud and financial vulnerability.”
The new policy reform, as highlighted by Miller, is designed to help students prioritize their education.“First and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.”