International students will be permitted to work full-time during academic breaks like reading week and the summer and winter holidays under the amended 24-hour-per-week regulation.

What is the policy comparison of Canada with other leading nations?

When it comes to work hour policies, Canada is still competitive with other leading foreign student destinations. As per the January 2024 report published by ApplyBoard, the top five nations for foreign students seeking to study abroad in 2023 were as follows. This portion of the article will give a quick summary of each nation’s regulations pertaining to international students’ work hours.

United States (17%)

Students from other countries who possess a valid F-1 student visa are allowed to work 20 hours a week on campus in the United States (US). While school is in session, qualifying off-campus students can work up to 20 hours per week; during the student’s annual break, they can work full-time; and when classes are not in session, they can work part-time.

Britain (11%)

The United Kingdom’s Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) states that international students who are permitted to work must make sure their weekly hours do not exceed 10 or 20.

The UKCISA makes it clear that overseas students are allowed to work full-time during the summer months and advises students to verify any job-related restrictions that [their] university, institution, or school imposes or suggests.

Canada (ten percent)

Reminder: Starting in the fall of 2024, overseas students studying in Canada are eligible for the following work hours allowances:

Work off campus for twenty-four hours a week throughout the academic year
Full-time work within the periods of time designated for academics

France (6%).

As per Campus France, the French government permits international students to labor for up to 964 hours. Calculated to be 21 hours a week, this is the equivalent of 60% of the French legal work year.

The same source also mentions that international students wishing to work at French universities are subject to a different set of regulations. Between September 1st and June 30th, these students are permitted to work a maximum of 670 hours, and between July 1st and August 31st, no more than 300 hours may be worked.

Germany and Australia (also 6%).

On ApplyBoard’s list, two other nations ranked at the same percentage as France.

The Department of Home Affairs in Australia states that holders of student visas are allowed to work up to 48 hours each two-week period while they are enrolled in classes.

Additionally, the Australian government makes it clear that, while their training or course of study is not in session, holders of student visas are not restricted from working.

International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week while they are enrolled in classes, per an ICEF Monitor report.

The importance of work hours for students from abroad

International students find it beneficial to be able to work while they study. They are able to sustain themselves and their family by earning money through this.

In Canada, international students who want to work off-campus during the academic year must fulfill specific conditions. Among them are:

• Having a current study permit
• After beginning* full-time coursework at a recognized educational institution (DLI),
• enrolling in a minimum six-month academic, vocational, or professional training program**
• Possessing an active Social Security Number (SIN)

Note: International students must have work authorization on their study permit in order to be able to work while they are enrolled in classes in Canada. Clearly stated in this authorization will be the student’s ability to work on campus, off campus, or both.

Only after beginning their studies at their DLI are international students permitted to work in Canada.

**The course of study for the international student must result in a degree, diploma, or certificate.

To find out more about working while studying in Canada, go to this specific webpage.