Work More, Earn More: Canada’s New 24-Hour Rule for International Students in 2026

If you’re an international student in Canada, there’s good news for your wallet. Canada’s New 24-Hour Rule for International Students will be implemented starting in 2026. The Canadian government has officially updated the weekly work limit for international students during academic sessions. You can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus—a 20% increase from the previous 20-hour cap.

   

This change is a game-changer for students looking to ease financial pressure, gain Canadian work experience, and build stronger ties to the local economy. Let’s break down what this means, who qualifies, and how to make the most of it.

Why the Change Matters

For years, international students in Canada were limited to 20 hours of off-campus work per week during regular academic sessions. While this helped students focus on their studies, many found it difficult to cover rising living costs, especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

In response, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced a temporary policy in 2022 allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week. That policy ended in April 2024, but the feedback was clear: students needed more flexibility.

So, beginning in the fall of 2024 and continuing into 2026, the new permanent rule allows eligible students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms.

Recommended post: Singapore Overhauls Its Work Permit Rules – No More Time Limits

What the New Rule Allows

Here’s what you need to know about the updated work hours:

• 24 hours per week of off-campus work during regular academic sessions
• Full-time work during scheduled breaks (e.g., summer and winter holidays)
• No separate work permit required if you meet eligibility criteria
• Applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students with valid study permits

This change gives students more room to earn income while still prioritizing their studies.

Who Is Eligible?

To take advantage of the new 24-hour rule, you must:

• Hold a valid study permit
• Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Be in a program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
• Maintain satisfactory academic standing
• Have started your program before or after November 8, 2024

If you meet these conditions, you’re automatically eligible to work under the new rule—no additional application is needed.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Work

It’s important to understand the difference between on-campus and off-campus work:

• On-campus work: No weekly hour limit; you can work as much as your schedule allows, provided you remain a full-time student.
• Off-campus work: Now capped at 24 hours per week during academic sessions, with full-time allowed during breaks.

You can combine both types of work, but be mindful of your academic performance. Balancing work and study is key.

What Happens If You Work More Than 24 Hours?

Working beyond the allowed 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions is a violation of your study permit conditions. This could lead to:

• Loss of your student status
• Ineligibility for future immigration programs (like PGWP or PR)
• Possible removal from Canada

Always track your hours carefully and stay within the legal limit.

Popular Part-Time Jobs for International Students

With the new 24-hour limit, you can now take on slightly longer shifts or more flexible roles. Common part-time jobs include:

• Barista or café assistant
• Retail associate
• Food delivery driver
• Tutor or teaching assistant
• Customer service representative
• Freelance digital work (graphic design, writing, etc.)

These roles not only help you earn money but also build your Canadian resume and improve your communication skills.

Tips to Balance Work and Study

• Plan your schedule: Use a calendar to block out study and work hours.
• Prioritize academics: Remember, your primary goal is to study.
• Communicate with employers: Let them know your availability and academic commitments.
• Use campus resources: Many schools offer career services, resume help, and job boards.
• Track your hours: Use apps or spreadsheets to ensure you don’t exceed the 24-hour limit.

Where to Learn More

For official updates and detailed guidelines, check these trusted sources:

• IRCC: Work off campus as an international student
• GetGIS: Canada Increases Off-Campus Working Hours
• KangarooEdu: 2025–2026 Student Work Rules

FAQs

Can I work more than 24 hours per week if I have two jobs? No. The 24-hour limit applies to all off-campus work combined, regardless of how many jobs you have.

Do I need a separate work permit to work off-campus? No. If you meet the eligibility criteria, your study permit automatically allows you to work off-campus.

Can I work full-time during school breaks? Yes. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks such as summer, winter holidays, and spring break.

What if I started my program before November 2024? You’re still eligible for the 24-hour rule as long as you meet the other criteria.

Will this affect my Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility? Yes. Violating work hour limits can impact your PGWP eligibility. Always stay within the allowed hours.

More Opportunities: