Canada has announced an increase in the number of hours international students can work off campus, even as the government plans significant reductions in future study-permit admissions.
The policy update, which took effect on November 8, 2024, increases the weekly cap on off-campus work from 20 hours to 24 hours during regular academic sessions.
The change is aimed at giving students slightly more flexibility to support themselves while maintaining academic commitments.
According to report by Financial Express, off-campus work refers to employment outside the premises of a student’s designated learning institution.
“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”, the report said.
According to Canadian immigration regulations, students must meet specific eligibility criteria to engage in off-campus work.
“Those whose study permits explicitly state they are not authorised to work off campus, as well as students enrolled only in English or French language-training programs, remain barred from this category of employment unless they secure a valid work permit.
“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”, it added.
Canada also reaffirmed its rules on open work permits, which allow holders to work for any employer for a designated period. The permit may carry restrictions related to location or type of occupation, depending on an individual’s immigration conditions.
The government added that foreign nationals who are full-time students at designated learning institutions may continue to work on campus without a work permit for the duration of their studies.
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However, authorities stressed that international students must strictly observe the 24-hour weekly limit during academic sessions. Exceeding this threshold could jeopardise their immigration status.
Beyond the work policy changes, Canada is preparing for a sharp reduction in the number of incoming foreign students. Under the 2026–2028 Immigration Levels Plan, Ottawa is targeting 155,000 new student arrivals, representing a 49% cut from the previous year’s target.
The report noted that the measure is intended to better align student intake with housing capacity, public services, and labour market needs.
