Off-Campus Work in 2025: How the 24-hours/week rule works, eligibility, and compliance
Published: September 16, 2025 | Last updated: September 16, 2025 ET
🎯 Key Takeaways
- International students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during studies
- Full-time work permitted during scheduled breaks (summer, winter holidays)
- Must maintain full-time student status to remain eligible
- Violations can result in study permit cancellation and removal from Canada
- Proper tracking and compliance essential for future immigration applications
Understanding the 24-Hour Rule
As of 2024, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions, increased from the previous 20-hour limit. This change provides students with additional income opportunities while maintaining focus on studies.
Eligibility Requirements
To work off-campus, international students must:
- Hold a valid study permit
- Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Have completed their first 6 months of study (with some exceptions)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
Compliance and Consequences
Exceeding work hour limits or working without authorization can have serious consequences:
- Study permit cancellation
- Removal from Canada
- Future immigration application refusals
- Ineligibility for Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
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