Canada raises work limit for international students to 24 hours weekly
Stricter permit policies implemented to curb misuse and ensure compliance
Canada has officially raised the limit for off-campus work hours for international students to 24 hours per week during academic terms.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed the change last week, emphasising a balanced approach to supporting students financially while preserving their focus on academics.
“By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education,” said Miller.
The previous limit of 20 hours per week was temporarily lifted during the pandemic, allowing students to work up to 40 hours weekly to address Canada’s labour shortages. This policy ended in April 2024, reinstating the 20-hour cap, which has now been slightly increased to 24 hours.
New rules by IRCC
Expanded work hours
The new regulations continue to allow full-time work during scheduled academic breaks, such as winter and summer holidays. This ensures international students can still maximise earning opportunities when classes are not in session.
Permit requirements for transfers
International students in Canada can no longer transfer from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another without first obtaining a new study permit. This marks a significant shift from the previous system, where students were only required to update their IRCC account with their new school information.
“This change is in line with the important work we have been doing to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program,” IRCC said in a statement.
Stricter reporting obligations for DLIs
Designated institutions now face stricter compliance requirements. Twice a year, they must submit detailed reports verifying the enrolment status of international students under their care. Institutions failing to provide accurate reports could face suspension from admitting new international students for up to one year.
Quebec-based institutions, however, have been granted a grace period as the province works with IRCC to develop a compliance reporting framework.
Fraud Prevention Measures
LOA Verification System
IRCC has implemented a robust Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification system to curb fraudulent applications. Since its launch in December 2023, the system processed 529,000 LOAs by October 2024, confirming nearly 492,000 as valid. However, it flagged over 17,000 fraudulent letters, many of which had been cancelled by the issuing institutions before applicants submitted their study permit applications.
“This system strengthens the integrity of the programme and protects genuine students from fraud and financial exploitation,” IRCC stated.
Crackdown on violations
Students found to be out of compliance with study permit conditions – such as not being enrolled or exceeding work hour limits – may face investigations and enforcement actions. These measures aim to deter misuse of the student visa system and maintain programme credibility.
Canada’s immigration policy reforms
The recent changes coincide with Canada’s broader immigration policy reforms outlined in its 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. These reforms include a 10% reduction in study permits for 2024 and the discontinuation of fast-track programmes like the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express.
Canada’s decision to limit temporary resident numbers is part of efforts to address rising concerns about housing shortages and affordability issues in major cities. IRCC clarified that these measures aim to align immigration policies with Canada’s long-term economic and social goals.
The updated regulations emphasise shared responsibility between students and institutions. While students must adhere to work hour limits, maintain enrolment, and secure the appropriate permits before transferring schools, institutions are expected to ensure compliance and support IRCC’s anti-fraud initiatives.
Minister Miller highlighted the importance of these reforms, stating, “International students should have a positive, successful experience in Canada, and the important changes made today will help with that.