The Government of Canada has announced an update to the number of hours international students will be allowed to work off campus while studying in Canada. Starting in the Fall 2024 term, international students may work off campus for a maximum of 24 hours per week. The previous limit was 20 hours per week; however, the government had introduced a temporary policy during the COVID-19 pandemic which suspended that cap, allowing international students to work up to 40 hours per week. This policy ended on April 30, 2024.

In announcing the updated limit, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) said, “Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, 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.”

The 24-hour-per-week limit only applies during the regular study terms. During term breaks and over the summer, international students may work up to 40 hours per week off campus provided they will be returning to their studies in the next regular term.

If you have any questions about working off campus while studying, you may email the following in-country representatives for Latin America, India, and Philippines, or you can reach out to the CMTN international advising team.