Holthe Immigration Law | International students in Canada will be able to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus

In a significant update from IRCC released on April 29, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller announced an adjustment to the off-campus work hours for international students. Starting Fall 2024, students will be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during their studies. This update is part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program while ensuring students remain shielded from fraud and financial vulnerability.

The Off-Campus Work for International Students before May 1, 2024

Before COVID students were permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the term. On November 15, 2022, IRCC temporarily allowed international students to work for more than 20 hours of off-campus work per week during their studies. The policy was later extended until April 30, 2024, further allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus.

Two years later, on April 30, 2024, the temporary policy came to an end, and as was announced by the Minister – the temporary policy will not be extended:

“Students who come to Canada must be here to study.”

Starting this fall (we’re yet to know the exact date) IRCC will implement a permanent change to the number of hours international students are permitted to work off-campus during their studies. The standard 20-hour limit will see an increase to a 24-hour limit. But again, this will happen later in 2024!

IMPORTANT! As of May 1, 2024, all international students must ensure they don’t work more than 20 hours per week off campus during their studies. Students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.