A Comeback to the Working Hours Limit for Foreign Students

The public policy regarding off-campus work, which allowed eligible international students to work more than 20 hours per week without a work permit during regular academic sessions was introduced in November 2022 and is set to expire shortly. 

The policy was introduced as a temporary response to the needs of the Canadian labour market and to foster the country’s economic growth. It allowed many international students to gain valuable work experience in Canada as well as additional income to cover the cost of their studies and their stay in Canada.  

However, to date, the IRCC has not yet announced an extension of this policy. 

Therefore, as a study permit holder, it is important to note that if you benefited from this policy and have been authorized to work under the conditions specified, you should be aware that if the IRCC does not extend the validity of this policy, you will have to comply with the standard working conditions as of May 1, 2024. 

Under paragraph 186 (v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (the Regulations), international students are authorized to work no more than 20 hours per week during a regular academic session. However, they may work on a full-time basis during a regularly scheduled break between academic sessions. 

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Published on April 17, 2024.