Canada New Rules for Study and Work Permit: Marc Miller has announced an adjustment to the total allowable working hours for foreign nationals holding study permits. International students in Canada are now permitted to engage in off-campus employment for up to 24 hours per week, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. This change took effect on November 15, 2024.
The 24-hour work limit is applicable solely to the hours students can work off-campus during periods when academic classes are not in session. Students in Canada retain the ability to work in the following capacities: on-campus employment and off-campus work during academic breaks when classes are not in session. The Canadian government has extended this relief to both Indian and other international students. Specifically, Indian students arriving in Canada are now authorized to work for 24 hours per week.
Canada New Rules for Study and Work Permit
According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, students who do not possess a campus work permit will also be eligible to work 24 hours weekly. Previously, Indian students were restricted to a 20-hour work week without a work permit. A significant number of Indian students in Canada hail from Punjab, with approximately 150,000 students from this region pursuing various courses while working 20 hours weekly.
The increase in permissible working hours is expected to enhance students’ income and provide valuable work experience alongside their academic pursuits. Recently, the Canadian government also discontinued the Student Direct Stream, which led to some discontent among the student population. To be eligible to work, students must be enrolled in a recognized college or university in Canada and obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN). With a SIN, students can work up to 24 hours per week, and if they hold multiple jobs, the combined total of hours worked across both positions must not exceed this limit.
Canada’s New Work Permit Rules
Students will be permitted to engage in work for a maximum of 24 hours per week:
- Students are permitted to engage in work for a maximum of 24 hours per week.
- Enrollment in a full-time program at an accredited educational institution is a prerequisite.
- The student must be attending a college or university, specifically within a vocational or professional training curriculum.
- The duration of the course must be a minimum of six months, culminating in the award of a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- A valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for the student to be eligible for employment.
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Revised Canada Student Visa Criteria
- Recent updates to the Canada Student Visa regulations mandate that international students must obtain a new study visa when transferring between educational institutions.
- Students are now obligated to submit an application for a new study permit and secure approval prior to changing their Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
- In the past, students were permitted to switch schools under the same study permit, provided their online IRCC account was current.
- The modifications to the study permit process are aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program.
- These changes reflect a shift in policy intended to better regulate the movement of international students within Canada’s educational framework.
How many hours are you allowed working off campus?
- During regular school terms, you can work a maximum of 24 hours each week.
- You can hold multiple jobs to reach this 24-hour limit, as long as you follow your study permit rules.
- During scheduled breaks, like winter or summer holidays, you can work as many hours as you want.
- While on a break, you can also take classes, either part-time or full-time.
- Working overtime or having two part-time jobs does not limit your hours during breaks.
- To work full-time during a break, you must be a full-time student before and after the break.
- There is no specific number of hours that defines full-time work.
- Employers must comply with provincial laws regarding overtime and shift breaks.
- If your program lacks scheduled breaks, you are limited to 24 hours of work per week.
- Exceeding 24 hours can jeopardize your student status and future permit applications.
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Who Can’t Work Off-Campus in Canada?
International students in Canada cannot work off-campus without a work permit under the following circumstances:
- Study Permit Restriction: If your study permit explicitly states that you’re not authorized to work off-campus.
- ESL/FSL Program: If you’re only enrolled in an English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) program.
- General Interest Courses: If you’re only taking courses for general interest, not part of a full-time program.
- Pre-requisite Courses: If you’re only taking courses required to gain acceptance into a full-time study program.
- Changes in Eligibility: If your situation changes, and you no longer meet the eligibility requirements to work off-campus.
Changing Conditions of Your Study Permit
If your study situation changes (e.g., moving to a full-time program), you can apply to change the conditions on your study permit. You need to:
- Submit an application to change your study permit conditions (this can be done from within Canada).
- Provide a letter of explanation detailing why you need the restriction on off-campus work removed.
- Pay a fee for the application.
Once your study permit is updated, you can then apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and work off-campus.
