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How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada? (2025 Update & Strategic Options)

10 November 2025

How Many Hours Can International Students Work in Canada? (2025 Update & Strategic Options)

1. Why Work Matters for International Students in Canada

For many international students in Canada, working while studying is not just about covering expenses — it’s about gaining valuable Canadian work experience, building networks, and positioning for post-graduation immigration pathways. Yet balancing work and study is challenging. Recent policy updates reflect Canada’s effort to ensure education remains the priority.

2. Current Rules & Upcoming Changes for Off-Campus Work

Current Limits

As of November 8, 2024, international students with the correct work-conditions on their study permits can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.
During scheduled breaks (summer, winter, reading week) they can work unlimited hours.

What’s Changing

A policy allowing unlimited off-campus hours expired April 30, 2024.
Fall 2024/2025 update: Cap set at 24 hours/week off-campus.
On-campus work continues to have no hour limit (when eligible) — a major advantage.

3. Unlimited Work Options: On-Campus + Freelancing

On-Campus Work

International students are allowed to work unlimited hours on-campus. Jobs must be at their institution, faculty, student organization, or on-campus business.

Freelancing or Working for Foreign Employers

In a lesser-known but powerful option, students may work unlimited hours if they perform independent work for clients outside Canada, which is not considered part of the Canadian labour market.

This means designing, writing, programming for overseas clients while studying — provided Canadian work-permit restrictions are observed.

4. Conditions You Must Meet as an International Student Worker

To legally work while studying you must:

Hold a valid study permit;
Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI);
Ensure your permit states you may work on- or off-campus;
Maintain academic standing and enrolment;
Stop working if you cease full-time study (with limited final-semester exception).

Working too many hours off-campus when not permitted may lead to loss of status or future immigration complications.

5. How Your Work Impacts Immigration Pathways (PGWP, PR)

Merely working long hours doesn’t automatically boost your immigration profile. Key points:

Work done while studying does not count toward the “skilled Canadian work experience” needed for many Express Entry streams (unless after graduation).
Skilled, post-graduation work (via Post-Graduation Work Permit – PGWP) matters more for Permanent Residence.
Using on-campus or freelance work strategically can help reduce financial strain, enabling focus on academic success and immigration readiness.

6. Strategic Tips: Maximizing Work While Staying Compliant

Prioritise on-campus work for unlimited hours and minimal risk.
If freelancing, keep clients outside Canada and track hours carefully.
During regular terms, aim for under 20-24 hours off-campus unless unlimited period applies.
Maintain full-time enrolment — avoid dropping to part-time unless final term.
Use work-experience to cover living costs, not replace academic focus — because education is the primary objective.
Always check your study permit conditions and school’s schedule for “scheduled breaks” eligibility.