In recent months, some international students have been able to work full-time because of a temporary policy that removed the 20-hour per week cap on off-campus work. This temporary policy ended on April 30, 2024.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has stated its intention to raise the cap to 24 hours per week some time prior to the start of the Fall 2024 term. In the meantime, students with a valid study permit whose programs have a summer break may work full-time in the summer, provided they were full-time students in Winter 2024 and will return to full-time studies in the Fall term. The summer is a break for undergraduate students, and for graduate students whose program calendar specifically states that the summer is a regularly scheduled break for immigration purposes. Study permit holders whose programs don’t take a summer break must limit off-campus work to 20 hours per week. This includes some graduate students, and also students who have completed their programs and are waiting for their final grades. Once final grades are issued, students must apply for a work permit if they wish to work in Canada.
Doing unauthorized work may affect your ability to remain in Canada. Students who have questions are encouraged to contact the ISSO’s immigration advising team by email at immigration.advising@carleton.ca.