Indian students in Canada can now work 24 hours a week off-campus: Here's what you need to know

Ottawa: Canada has rolled out new regulations for international students, aiming to enhance the integrity of its International Student Programme. The changes, announced by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, include revised work hours and updated requirements for study permits.  

Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during their academic sessions, an increase proposed earlier this year. However, students must meet specific eligibility criteria before starting off-campus employment, as working without authorisation could result in removal from Canada.  

Who can work off campus  

Students are allowed to work off campus without a work permit if they:  

• Are full-time students at a designated learning institution (DLI).  
• Are enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or in a secondary-level vocational program in Quebec.  
• Are in a study program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.  
• Have started their studies and hold a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).  

Who cannot work off campus  
Students are ineligible for off-campus work if:  

• Their study permit explicitly prohibits off-campus work.  
• They are enrolled in an English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) program.  
• They are taking general interest courses or preparatory courses for acceptance into a full-time program.  
• Their circumstances change, making them ineligible for off-campus work.  

International students are now required to apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before transferring to a different learning institution. This measure strengthens oversight and aligns with efforts to maintain program integrity.  

End of SDS and NSE programs 

Canada has officially discontinued the Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) programs, which previously offered faster study permit processing. Indian students, who significantly benefited from SDS, must now follow the standard application process. Applications submitted under SDS before November 8, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET will still be processed under the expedited system.  

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented measures to combat fraud, protect students from exploitation, and address financial vulnerabilities. These changes are part of the broader 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to gradually reduce Canada’s temporary resident population while aligning with long-term economic goals.