• Study in Canada

Canada Increases Off-Campus Working Hours for International Students

Q: How to work off-campus in Canada?

To work off-campus, international students mustBe a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)Have enrolled in either of the following.Have started studying.Have a social insurance number (SIN)

574 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:May 22,2024 05:48 PM IST

Starting September 2024, international students can work off-campus for 24 hours per week in Canada.
The Standard policy allows students to work 20 hours per week. The limit of hours was relaxed for students currently in Canada, but this ended on 30 April 2024.
According to studies in the US and Canada, working off-campus for more than 28 hours a week has shown a decline in academic performance.

Canada Expands Work Hours for International Students.webp

Recently, at a press conference, IRCC announced that the number of off-campus part-time working hours for international students in Canada has increased from 20 to 24. The post-COVID policy, which allowed students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours a week, ended on 30 April 2024. This means the standard policy is again in effect, which will allow students to work off-campus for 20 hours a week until August.

The new policy will be implemented from September 2024 onwards. In a few months, students will be able to earn extra dollars and improve their financial situation. To learn more about the changes, read this blog for the latest updates.

Off-Campus work for International Students in Canada

Many international students opt for part-time jobs in Canada to support themselves financially while studying there. To get part-time jobs, they usually go off-campus. Off-campus means working at a place that is not part of a university or college campus. Before starting to work, students and their employers must make sure that the students can work off-campus without a work permit. To work off-campus, students must:

Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
Be enrolled in one of the following:
a) post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program
b) secondary-level vocational training program (Quebec only)
Be studying a program which is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate, or
Have started studying
Have a social insurance number (SIN)

Social Insurance Number

To apply for a social insurance number (SIN) to work off campus, international students must have 1 of these conditions printed on their study permit:

May work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting conditions outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
May accept employment on or off campus if meeting conditions, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these conditions.

Once students meet the above criteria, they can start working off-campus, the limit for which is 20 hours per week. Students can also do more than one job to complete 20 hours. Further, regarding schedule breaks such as winter and summer holidays, students can work full-time. Students must maintain their full-time status before and after the break. Also, students can only work during the break, after their first school semester and subsequent breaks. If a program has no schedule breaks, students can work off-campus up to 20 hours per week.

How many hours count as full-time work?

Talking about how many hours are counted as full-time work, there is no set number of hours per week that count as full-time work. Remember, working off-campus for more than 20 hours per week is a violation of study permit conditions. For doing this, students can lose their student status and may not be approved for extension of study or work permits.

How to calculate working hours?

Two things need to be done to calculate the number of off-campus working hours for international students in Canada. Firstly, students need to define the time they spend earning wages or collecting a commission, even if they are on call during these hours and not actually working. Secondly, they must prove that they comply with the conditions of their study permit. To prove this, they must show that they are actively pursuing their studies, not working more than 20 hours a week and meeting any other conditions listed on their study permit.

Off-campus work for Self-employed students

If a student is self-employed, they’re also responsible for keeping track of the hours they work off campus and proving that they’re complying with the conditions of their study permit. Hours are calculated as any time students spend doing any of the following:

Earning wages
Being paid wages for performing a service or selling a product
Collecting a commission for performing a service or selling a product

Who can’t work off campus in Canada?

Their study permit says that they aren’t authorised to work off-campus while they study
They’re only enrolled in an English or French as a second language (ESL/FSL) program
They’re only taking general interest courses
They’re only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program
Their situation changes, and they no longer meet all of the requirements to work off-campus
They’re only taking general interest courses
They’re only taking courses required to be accepted into a full-time program
Their situation changes, and they no longer meet all of the requirements to work off-campus

If any of these situations apply to international students who still want to work while studying in Canada, they need to apply for a work permit. The above situations are not permanent and may be changed in the future. If they are changed, students will again become eligible to work off-campus.

If Study Situation Changes

If international students weren’t eligible to work off-campus, but their study situation has now changed, they may be able to change the conditions of their study permit.

Students can apply to change the conditions of their permit if:

they’ve changed their study program to one that may allow them to work off-campus and
their study permit says, “This permit does not permit the holder to engage in off-campus employment in Canada”

IRCC included a condition on their study permit that may no longer apply

IRCC included a condition on their study permit that may no longer apply Example: International students have a study permit to complete prerequisite courses, such as an ESL or FSL course. Then, they’re accepted into a full-time study program. This would mean they could apply to have the condition (not being allowed to work off campus) removed from their study permit.

Changing the Conditions on Canada Study Permit

International students cannot work off-campus if any of the following situation applies to them:

conditions for working off-campus in canada.webp

When students apply online, their personalised checklist will include the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Student [IMM 5709]. In that form, students check the box to Apply for a study permit for the first time or extend my study permit, whatever condition applies to them and fill out the rest of the required fields.

Students should include a letter with their application explaining why they need the condition removed from their study permit.

New Off-Campus Work Limit for International Students

In a recent move, IRCC has increased off-campus working hours for international students in Canada to 24 hours per week. This change will be permanent and will come into effect from September 2024 onwards. However, till then, students will continue to work off-campus 20 hours a week only.

This shift from 20 hours a week to 24 hours might seem insignificant, but it will actually allow students to work three 8-hour shifts rather than two. This 4-hour increase becomes 16 hours per month, which means they can earn more money to pay tuition fees.

Why 24 hours/week for off-campus work in Canada?

Now, international students might think that if the Canadian Government wanted to support students, why haven’t they increased the limit to 30 hours? The logic is that many employers look for students who can work three shifts, which isn’t possible with a 20-hour work limit.

Further, the limit was not increased to 30 because research shows that working more than 28 hours declines academic performance. Also, 30 hours for some professions is considered as full-time employment. Therefore, 24 hours is the perfect number, allowing students to concentrate on their studies as well as earn more money.

What does this mean for current international students?

It is to be noted that this new law will not come into effect until fall 2024. International students who are currently studying in Canada need to follow old standing policy for working in Canada. That means off-campus working hours for international students in Canada will remain the same till September 2024. That is 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled breaks.

What does this mean for the May Intake students?

The new policy will be implemented in September 2024, so until then, the May intake students can work off-campus for 20 hours a week. They can do so till August, and once the policy is put into practice, they can work off-campus 24 hours a week during session time and full time during academic breaks. By working more hours, they can get relevant experience and an edge when applying for jobs after their studies. On the other hand, this can also have not-so-positive effects on students. They might find it difficult to manage their studies and work together. Further, they will have less time to explore Canada and participate in extracurricular activities.

What does this mean for the September Intake students?

Under the new policy, international students going to Canada for the September intake will be able to work off-campus for 24 hours a week starting in September 2024. They will be able to work 3 shifts, which most employers look for. By working for more hours, they will be able to cope with the increased cost of living expenses in Canada. International students going for September intake in Canada may have an improved work-study balance as they will be able to find better jobs which goes hand in hand with their academic schedules. They will have to juggle less between work and studies which will lead to a balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

On 30th April 2024, IRCC announced that off-campus working hours for international students in Canada are increased to 24 hours per week. The change has been brought to strike a fine balance for students. After this change, students can focus on their studies while earning extra money. The policy will be applicable from September 2024 onwards. Till then, students can work off-campus 20 hours per week and full-time during scheduled breaks. To know how to find off-campus part-time jobs, students must contact Canam study abroad consultants.

FAQ

How to work off-campus in Canada?

To work off-campus, international students must

Be a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI)
Have enrolled in either of the following.
Have started studying.
Have a social insurance number (SIN)

How many hours can a student work off-campus in Canada?

Students can work off-campus for 20 hours per week until September 2024. The new policy will be implemented in September 2024, and students can work 24 hours a week off-campus.Students can work off-campus for 20 hours per week until September 2024. The new policy will be implemented in September 2024, and students can work 24 hours a week off-campus.

How much can international students earn in Canada?

The Federal minimum wage is 17.3 per hours. The students in Canada can earn an upwards of $25,000 per year during their study period. The average starting salary in Canada is $45,000 per year.

Can international students work 24 hours a week in Canada?

From September 2024 onwards, international students can work 24 hours per week in Canada.

What happens if an international student works more than 20 hours in Canada?

Working more than 20 hours in Canada violates your study permit conditions, and doing so may result in losing student status.

What are the new rules for off-campus working hours of international students in Canada in 2024?

According to new rules, students can work off-campus 24 hours a week from September 2024 onwards.

What are the best part-time jobs for international students in Canada?

Some of the best part-time jobs for international students in Canada are Server, Sales Assistant, Dog Walker and Tutor.

Can international students work on campus and off campus at the same time in Canada?

Yes, international students can work as many hours as they want in addition to off-campus as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for working on campus.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

UP Education - International College of Hotel Management

South Australia, Australia • 2 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 0-0 / year

Devry University - Orlando Campus

Florida, USA • 12 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 15000-16500 / year

New York Film Academy - New York Campus

New York, USA • 4 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 29000-30000 / year

University of Leicester

England, UK • 360 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 18000-27500 / year

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus

Western Australia, Australia • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 25500-26000 / year

University of Brighton - City Campus

England, UK • 26 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-17200 / year

INTO Group - Illinois State University

Illinois, USA • 270 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 27000-38000 / year

Navitas Group - Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) - Melbourne Campus

Victoria, Australia • 12 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 26500-27000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop

Study in Canada

18th Sep to 28th Sept, 24 • 11:00AM to 05:00PM

In-Person & Virtual Event

Scholarship Day for USA

Study in USA • Application Days

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Live Webinar with Q&A on Pathways to In-Demand Careers in Healthcare

Study in Canada • Webinar

06:00PM

Virtual Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Why Study MBA From Canada?

Are you considering to study an MBA in Canada but feeling unsure about your decision? There's no need to worry! According to data by IRCC, o...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 05:14 PM IST • Study in Canada

CELPIP Writing Section: Email Writing Task 1

CELPIP is one of the highly known English language proficiency test in Canada. If you want to live in Canada permanently, you must take this test. It ...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 03:30 PM IST • CELPIP

Why Study MBA in Ireland?

IntroductionIf you plan to pursue an MBA while being easy on your wallet, look no further than Ireland! This country has some government-fun...

Updated on • Jul 26,2024 01:06 PM IST • Study in Ireland

Student Life in Germany

Germany is known for its affordable education and top-class universities in Europe, but what is it like to become a student at a German univ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Germany

Improve IELTS Listening Skills

Are you anxious about the IELTS test you are about to appear for? Do the accents and language currently appear foreign to you? You can always learn a ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 05:22 PM IST • IELTS

Why Study MBA in UK

In today’s world, where new businesses are emerging daily, youngsters worldwide also want to enter the start-up world. They want in-depth ...

Updated on • Jul 25,2024 03:08 PM IST • study in the UK

Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide to Study in Germany

Ever dreamt of studying in a land steeped in history and innovation? Germany, a powerhouse of education and engineering, beckons you with it...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

10 Part-time Jobs in UK for International Students

The UK (United Kingdom) offers plenty of opportunities to International students for part-time employment, internships, and post-study employment, ass...

Updated on • Jul 23,2024 01:47 PM IST • study in the UK

Part-time Jobs in Canada for International Students

Canada has been a popular study-abroad destination for Indian students, particularly in the past decade of 2013 – 2023. This is likely to be further...

Updated on • Jul 20,2024 12:52 PM IST • Study in Canada

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions

One has to develop ideas on different topics and learn to answer various questions before taking up the IELTS speaking module. The IELTS speaking test...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 05:46 PM IST • IELTS

F-1 visa for international students: Eligibility, Application, Requirements and Process

Congratulations! Did you get accepted at your preferred university in USA? You are closer to advanced research facilities, a diverse culture, and care...

Updated on • Jul 16,2024 04:37 PM IST • USA

Top 10 Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

Lately. Australia has emerged as one of the most popular study abroad destinations among Indian students. According to the QS Best Student Cities 2024...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 05:41 PM IST • Australia

How Can Overseas Study Experience Help You In Your Career?

Making decisions like studying overseas can be very overwhelming. As a student, your mind must be surrounded by lots of questions such as - what are t...

Updated on • Jul 15,2024 03:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Study Medicine in Germany

Are you an international student planning to study medicine in Germany? We want to tell you are going in the right direction, as Germany hosts world-c...

Updated on • Jul 13,2024 05:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

Grading System in USA

Studying in the USA is an investment for the future as the country provides high-quality education to students. Many international students dream of s...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 05:59 PM IST • USA

Benefits of 1+1 Programs in Canada

Canada welcomes international students to explore its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and excellent career opportunities. It offers un...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 04:06 PM IST • Study in Canada

Facts to Know Before Studying in Australia

When you decide to pursue your studies in Australia, there are so many things that you should know before actually moving to the country. Kn...

Updated on • Jul 12,2024 03:38 PM IST • Australia

Australian Student Visa Interview Questions and Answers

Starting a study abroad journey can be overwhelming and this decision needs courage. If you are someone who decided to study abroad, so proud of you! ...

Updated on • Jul 11,2024 03:26 PM IST • Australia

TOEFL Accepted Universities in USA

Navigating the requirements for admission into universities in the USA reveals a wide spectrum of TOEFL score expectations. The TOEFL exam, with its f...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:49 PM IST • TOEFL

Why take Study Abroad Counselling?

Many Indian students dream of studying abroad. However, choosing the right institute and course can be a real challenge. After all, your fut...

Updated on • Jul 08,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

Canada Increases Off-Campus Working Hours for International Students

Table of Contents

Off-Campus work for International Students in Canada

Social Insurance Number

How many hours count as full-time work?

How to calculate working hours?

Off-campus work for Self-employed students

Who can’t work off campus in Canada?

If Study Situation Changes

Changing the Conditions on Canada Study Permit

New Off-Campus Work Limit for International Students

Why 24 hours/week for off-campus work in Canada?

What does this mean for current international students?

What does this mean for the May Intake students?

What does this mean for the September Intake students?

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams