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How many hours a week can I work off-campus in Canada during regular academic terms?

24 Sept 2026 · Answered by Honnappa Chandrannavar · 1 min read
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As a student in Canada, you can currently work up to 24 hours a week off-campus during regular academic terms, up from the earlier 20-hour cap. Work hour limits vary significantly by country, so always confirm your specific visa's current allowance before taking up any part-time job abroad.

Honnappa Chandrannavar
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If you plan to work part time while studying in Canada, you can currently take up off-campus jobs for up to 24 hours a week during regular academic terms. This is higher than the 20-hour limit that applied earlier, so check your study permit conditions to confirm you qualify.

Off-campus work hour limits by country

CountryCurrent off-campus work limit
Canada (regular academic terms)Up to 24 hours per week
New ZealandUp to 25 hours per week

Why this varies so much by country

Each country's immigration authority sets its own work-hour policy for international students, and these limits change periodically, so a figure that was accurate a couple of years back may already be outdated. Full-time work is often allowed during scheduled academic breaks, separate from the term-time limit.

My Advice

Always check your study permit or visa conditions directly rather than relying on a number you read once, since work-hour limits get revised and Canada's cap has already increased once. Track any official update from Canadian immigration authorities each year so you never accidentally exceed your allowed hours.

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