IRCC Increases Weekly Work Limit for International Students – April 2025 Update
As of April 23, 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has officially updated its program delivery instructions to allow international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions. This change replaces the long-standing 20-hour weekly limit and marks a new standard under Canada’s International Student Program (ISP).
What’s Changed?
Until now, study permit holders were allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week off campus during academic terms. In response to labor shortages during the COVID-19 recovery period, a temporary public policy allowed students to work over 20 hours per week between November 2022 and April 30, 2024.
With the expiration of that public policy, IRCC has now implemented a permanent policy change that officially increases the weekly work cap to 24 hours—effective April 23, 2025.
Key Highlights of the New Off-Campus Work Policy
- New limit: Students can now work up to 24 hours per week during regular academic sessions.
- Eligibility remains unchanged: You must:
- Hold a valid study permit.
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Be studying in a program that is at least 6 months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Temporary public policy references removed: All mentions of the now-expired 2022–2024 work policy have been withdrawn from IRCC instructions.
Why This Change Matters
The increase from 20 to 24 hours may seem small, but it has a significant impact:
- Offers greater financial flexibility for students facing rising living costs.
- Supports employers struggling to find part-time workers.
- Reflects IRCC’s ongoing commitment to balance study integrity with economic participation.
Paraphrased Summary for Website Use (e.g., Landing Page Section)
On April 23, 2025, Canada updated its off-campus work rules for international students. Students can now legally work up to 24 hours per week during academic sessions, a permanent increase from the previous 20-hour cap. This replaces a temporary public policy that expired in April 2024 and ensures students have more consistent opportunities to support themselves while studying.
FAQs
Q: Can international students in Canada now work more than 20 hours per week?
Yes, as of April 23, 2025, students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms.
Q: Do I need to apply separately to work 24 hours per week?
No. If you meet the eligibility requirements under your study permit, you can automatically work up to 24 hours per week.
Q: Is this change permanent?
Yes. This is now part of Canada’s permanent immigration and study permit regulations and is reflected in IRCC’s official program delivery instructions.
Q: Can I still work full-time during scheduled breaks?
Yes. The rules allowing full-time work during scheduled academic breaks (e.g., winter or summer holidays) remain in place.
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