International students who are in Canada and have off-campus work authorization on their study permit will be allowed to work off-campus over 20 hours per week From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023.
Those foreign nationals who have already submitted a study permit application as of October 7, 2022, will also benefit from this policy if IRCC approves their application.
Generally, with a valid Canadian Study Permit, international students may be eligible to work for an employer outside the campus of the educational institution up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
However, effective November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, Canada allows eligible international students to work over 20 hours per week while class is in session to help relieve Canada’s labour shortages.
According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s unemployment rate fell to 5.2 percent in September, down from 5.4 percent in August.
2025 Update—Back in late 2022, Canada put a temporary policy in place to address labor shortages. Students with off-campus work authorization could work +20 hours/week during regular academic sessions. Originally, this was supposed to end on December 31, 2023, but it got extended to April 30, 2024.
Now, after that extension ran out, the rules changed again. Since November 8, 2024, international students who meet the eligibility requirements can work up to 24 hours per week while their classes are in session. It’s not as generous as the temporary policy, but it still gives a little more flexibility compared to the old 20-hour cap.
Who Can Work Off-Campus?
Not every student can take advantage of this. To be eligible, you have to be enrolled full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI) and be studying in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program. If you’re in Quebec, you could also be in a secondary-level vocational training program.
Your program needs to last a minimum of six months and lead to a diploma or certificate. You also have to actually be attending classes—not just registered. Plus, you’ll need a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) to legally work off-campus.
Working Full-Time During Breaks
Scheduled breaks—like winter holidays, summer vacations, and spring breaks—are your chance to work full-time off-campus. Just keep in mind that to qualify, you need to be enrolled as a full-time student both before and after the break.
Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
If you’re hoping to stay and work after graduation, there’s some good news. Graduates from eligible programs can get a work permit for up to three years. And there’s a small but important change that kicked in on February 15, 2024: If you complete a master’s program that’s less than two years long, you might still qualify for a three-year PGWP. It’s not automatic, though, so make sure your program meets the criteria.
Spouses and Work Permits
One more thing to keep an eye on—starting January 21, 2025, it’s gotten a bit stricter for spouses. Only those married to students enrolled in specific programs, like master’s or doctoral degrees lasting at least 16 months, can get an open work permit. A few professional programs are also on the list, but the rules are tighter now than they used to be.
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