Canada: Increased Working Hours for Foreign National Students

Key Takeaways

• Increased Work Hours: Foreign national students can now work off-campus up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session, without needing a separate work permit.
• New Study Permit Requirement: Students must apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing learning institutions.
• Stricter Compliance for DLIs: Designated Learning Institutions must submit compliance reports and verify acceptance letters, or face suspension from admitting new students for up to a year.

Student Work Hour Changes

Canada increased the number of hours foreign national students can work off-campus without requiring a separate work permit. The new limit is 24 hours per week while classes are in session.  

Additionally, students must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. This aligns with efforts to enhance the program’s integrity. 

Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are also subject to stricter compliance rules. DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters may face suspension from admitting new students for up to a year. 

These changes aim to improve oversight, support international students and protect the quality of their academic experience in Canada.