In a sweeping reform of its international education framework, the Government of Canada has officially raised the off-campus work limit for international students from 20 to 24 hours per week during active academic sessions. The change, which took effect in early November, marks one of the most significant updates to student work regulations in recent years and forms part of a broader overhaul aimed at strengthening transparency, student well-being, and institutional accountability.
The announcement has generated widespread discussion across Canadian universities, colleges, and the international student community, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting clarity after months of consultations and proposed regulatory adjustments.
A New Era for International Students in Canada
Under the new regulation, eligible international students enrolled in full-time academic programs can now work up to 24 hours per week while school is in session. This is the first time the weekly cap has been increased in over a decade, coming after years of advocacy from student groups who argued that rising living costs made the previous 20-hour limit insufficient.
The revised cap offers students four additional hours of legal employment per week — a shift that could prove vital for thousands navigating high tuition, accommodation fees, and cost-of-living spikes in major urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Government officials describe the policy as a “balanced adjustment” designed to support students financially while still prioritizing academic success.
Unlimited Work Hours During Academic Breaks Still Allowed
While the in-session limit has increased, the policy keeps one major provision unchanged:
during scheduled academic breaks — such as summer holidays, winter breaks, or reading weeks — students can continue to work unlimited hours off-campus.
This long-standing provision has historically allowed students to take on full-time roles, pay down expenses, and gain valuable employment experience during non-instructional periods. Under the new regime, this opportunity remains intact.
Eligibility Requirements Intensified
However, alongside the expanded work hours come stricter eligibility and compliance conditions. Students must meet all the following criteria to qualify for the new 24-hour allowance:
- Hold a valid study permit with authorization to work off-campus.
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution.
- Study in a program that runs at least six months and leads to a recognized diploma, certificate, or degree.
- Have already commenced their academic program before beginning work.
- Possess a valid Social Insurance Number.
- Remain in good academic standing under their institution’s policies.
A key clarification from authorities notes that even if a student’s permit still displays the old “20 hours per week” condition, they are permitted to work up to 24 hours under the new national regulation, provided they satisfy all eligibility requirements.
Stricter Oversight for Colleges and Universities
Beyond student-level reforms, Canada is also introducing tougher institutional requirements.
Designated Learning Institutions — the approved schools permitted to host international students — must now:
- Submit mandatory compliance reports to federal authorities twice each year.
- Verify the authenticity of every student’s Letter of Acceptance before enrolment.
- Maintain accurate, timely records of each student’s academic status.
Failure to uphold these responsibilities could result in penalties, including temporary suspension from enrolling new international students. This marks one of the strongest enforcement mechanisms introduced to date under Canada’s international education framework.
The reforms aim to eradicate fraudulent admissions pathways and protect genuine students from exploitation — a concern that escalated after several high-profile cases involving fake admission letters.
Changing Schools Now Requires a New Study Permit
Perhaps the most surprising adjustment is the new requirement governing students who wish to change institutions.
Previously, a student could simply update their institution details online. Under the revised rules, a student must apply for and obtain a new study permit before transferring to another college or university.
This procedural change seeks to streamline reporting and reduce institutional loopholes, ensuring government oversight remains consistent even when students move between programs.
Why the 24-Hour Cap? Government Shares Its Rationale
Officials say the 24-hour limit is no arbitrary figure. Rather, it represents a calculated midpoint between giving students financial breathing room and preventing excessive work hours that could jeopardize academic performance.
Research considered during the policy review process suggested that once students exceed a certain workload threshold — generally around 24 to 28 hours per week — their academic engagement and performance begin to decline.
The new cap is therefore positioned as a compromise: helpful, but not harmful.
The government also highlighted pressures facing the Canadian labour market, where employers across multiple sectors — retail, hospitality, caregiving, and food service — rely heavily on part-time workers, many of whom are international students.
Student Reactions: Relief, but Also New Concerns
Reaction within the student community has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those living in high-cost regions where the previous 20-hour cap often left students struggling.
Students say the additional four hours could help cover groceries, transportation, textbooks, or a portion of rent — essential expenses that have risen steadily over the past five years.
However, some students have voiced concerns about potential pressure from employers to push them beyond the 24-hour limit, especially in industries where understaffing is common.
Advocates are urging IRCC to strengthen whistleblowing and workplace protection mechanisms to ensure the new policy is not abused.
Implications for Employers
The new regulation is expected to benefit employers who routinely hire part-time workers, especially in provinces where workforce shortages persist.
Sectors like retail, fast food, delivery services, warehousing, and hospitality stand to gain from easier staffing during evening and weekend shifts.
Employers are, however, being reminded that they must comply strictly with the 24-hour limit during school sessions. Any attempt to intentionally push students into violating permit conditions could expose businesses to sanctions.
A Strategic Move for Canada’s Global Education Competitiveness
Canada’s decision also comes as countries like the United Kingdom and Australia reevaluate their own international student policies. With global competition for foreign students intensifying, the expanded work allowance helps Canada maintain its appeal as a top destination for both study and part-time earning potential.
Analysts say the update is likely to strengthen Canada’s reputation as a welcoming and flexible environment — particularly at a time when other countries are tightening immigration pathways.
