Until the 30th of April, it was possible to work for more than 20 hours per week with a study permit in Canada. As of September 2024, the cap will be changed to a maximum of 24 hours per week. If you want to study in Canada for a period longer than 6 months, an eTA Canada is often enough. However, this travel authorisation does not allow you to work in Canada.

A temporary visa measure for students

Following the coronavirus pandemic, the Canadian government cancelled the limit of up 20 working hours per week for international students in the country. This regulation allowed individuals with student visas to work up to 40 hours per week off campus. The purpose of this measure was to address some of the economic challenges created by the pandemic, including a labour shortage. On the other hand, the government wanted to financially support international students who were temporarily living in the country.

Work conflicting with academic success

The original regulations regarding the 20-hour working week were reintroduced on April 30th, 2024. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Canada should limit the number of hours students are allowed to work again, to align with countries such as Australia or the United States. Otherwise, the study permit could become a kind of disguised work visa. If Canada does not limit the number of allowed working hours, the study permit could attract people whose main purpose in coming to the country is to work, not to study.

On the other hand, the Canadian Minister has argued that with this measure, the government wants to help students focus on their studies. Miller has claimed that recent research has shown that academic performance decreases considerably among students working more than 28 hours a week. By limiting the number of weekly working hours, the Canadian wants to contribute to the academic success of international students.

Toronto University is one of the most prestigious institutions in Canada

The right balance between work and study

The previous limit of 20 hours per week will remain in place for a short period. Marc Miller has announced that a new limit of 24 hours will apply from September 2024. With this additional 4 hours, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship wants to strike the right balance between the students' need to finance their stay in Canada and the main purpose of their stay in the country: studying.

eTA Canada for a short study

In the last few months, studying in Canada has become more difficult. The Canadian government increased the financial requirements for international students and set a cap on the number of study permits that it issues each year. These restrictions only apply for students who wish to study in Canada for more than 6 months. Studying in Canada for a short period is much easier. Costs are lower and it is not required to apply for a study permit. The eTA Canada is enough to study in the country for a maximum of 6 months. The eTA can also be used to travel for tourism, business or for a transit in Canada towards another destination.