If you’re exploring ways to earn income while studying in the Great White North, you might wonder: how many hours can international students work in Canada? The good news is that the Canadian government will allow you to work longer off campus each week.

This article will help you navigate the policy changes regarding off-campus work for international students looking to work and study in Canada, especially since being able to supplement with a side hustle can be a key consideration when studying overseas.

We'll explore how the longer work hours allowed can offer a way for you to ease any financial pressures during your studies without compromising your academic life.

Understanding the changes to the weekly work hours limit

As of November 2024, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session, up from the previous 20 hours.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship for Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, said in an earlier statement that the new limit seemed “reasonable”, and would allow students to work the equivalent of three full shifts of eight hours per week.

It’s a welcome increase from the previous 20-hour limit, which had been reinstated to replace the unlimited work hours introduced during the pandemic to meet labour shortages.

Here’s a look at the lead up to the latest regulations.

Timeline of changes to Canada student visa working hours

Nov 15, 2022: Work hour limit of 20 hours per week is waived temporarily to address post-pandemic labour shortages

Dec 31, 2023: Unlimited work hours policy extended till April 30, 2024

May 1, 2024: Work hours limit reverts to 20 hours per week.

Nov 15, 2024: Eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus

What this means for you

With the very real pressures of managing your everyday expenses, from the cost of meals to accommodation, the last thing you need as an international student is extra stress piled on top of your studies.

The increase of 4 more work hours per week means you have the opportunity to earn up to 20 percent more income with that extra time.

Being able to work outside of your studying hours can contribute to easing the financial burden as you secure some extra pocket money and even gain hands-on skills through a job.

The Canadian Immigration Minister recognises these considerations.

“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,” stated Miller.

Balancing your studies and work

Finding a job with an 8-hour shift and working three days a week could serve as a sweet spot for you to manage your time spent studying and earning an income as a student visa holder.

Miller cited research showing that a 24-hour work limit is optimal, and will work better than a previously floated suggestion of 30 hours per week. He referenced studies on how many hours international students can work in Canada and the US, which showed a considerable decline in academic performance when students work more than 28 hours per week, and increased chances of them dropping out of their program.

After all the hard work and money you spent getting to Canada and securing a university offer and getting into an esteemed university, you don’t want your study abroad journey to end without completing your course.

Unlimited work hours outside of semesters

Even with the limit on how many hours international students can work in Canada, there are still ways for you to maximise your earning potential and pick up more valuable work experience at the appropriate time.

During academic breaks and summer holidays, you will still be able to work unlimited hours on campus or off campus. This will be the best opportunity to ramp up your working hours if you need to save extra cash to cover living expenses while your studies are on pause.

To explore more ways of making the most of your study abroad journey, including to work and study in Canada, download the IDP Live app and equip yourself with insightful study abroad guides and resources for free.

Ask an expert about Canada student visa working hours and more

Here’s a quick recap on how many hours international students can work in Canada:

  • 24 hours per week during the academic term

  • Unlimited hours during study breaks

This policy allows you to not only earn and save more to better manage your living expenses as necessary, but also gain work experience. Just make sure you balance your priorities between your finances and academic life.

Got more questions about Canada student visa working hours? Or not sure what you need to get a permit to study in Canada? Look for free professional advice from a friendly education counsellor at IDP, a global leader in international education services.

Book a counselling session today to explore your options.

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