Canada Increases Work Limit for International Students in 2025 – CRA Sets New 24-Hour Weekly Rule

Effective in 2025, these changes raise the maximum number of weekly work hours international students can engage in during academic sessions, reflecting a response to rising living costs and the need to provide more financial flexibility to foreign learners while safeguarding their academic performance.

This comprehensive article explores the new regulations, eligibility criteria, implications for students and employers, and tax compliance under the CRA framework, supported by detailed explanations and tables.

The goal is to help international students and education stakeholders fully understand their rights, responsibilities, and opportunities under the 2025 rules.

Why Canada Adjusted Work Hour Rules for International Students

Balancing Education and Work Amid Rising Costs

Canada remains a preferred destination for international students, offering world-class education and employment opportunities. However, inflation and cost-of-living pressures have made part-time work more essential than ever.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada temporarily lifted work hour restrictions to meet labour shortages, allowing students to work unlimited hours. Though helpful in the short term, it raised concerns over academic performance.

In 2024, the government reintroduced limits and, in 2025, revised the work cap upward from 20 to 24 hours per week to strike a sustainable balance between financial need and academic integrity

What’s New in the 2025 CRA Student Work Hour Policy?

Weekly Work Hour Increase to 24 Hours

As of 2025, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week during active academic sessions, a rise from the previous 20-hour limit.

Full-Time Work Remains Allowed During Breaks

During scheduled academic breaks such as summer and winter holidays, students may continue to work full-time without restrictions.

Eligibility Conditions

To qualify for off-campus work under the revised guidelines, students must:

• Hold a valid study permit
• Be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Be pursuing a program lasting at least six months, leading to a *degree, diploma, or certificate

2025 Canada International Student Work Hour Table

Category	Pre-2025 Rules	2025 Updated Rules
Work during academic sessions	20 hours/week	24 hours/week
Work during scheduled breaks	Full-time allowed	Full-time allowed
Eligibility requirements	Study permit + DLI	Same
Tax reporting	Optional	Mandatory under CRA

This revised structure empowers students to increase earnings responsibly while respecting immigration and tax laws.

Key Benefits for International Students

More Financial Flexibility

With a 20% increase in allowed work hours, students can now better manage tuition fees, rent, food, and other essential expenses.

Enhanced Work Experience

The update provides more opportunities to gain valuable Canadian work experience, a key advantage for post-graduation employment.

Academic Protection

By capping the weekly limit at 24 hours, the government ensures that students remain focused on academics while still working part-time.

Improved Shift Planning

Students can now work three 8-hour shifts per week, compared to the previous restriction of two 10-hour shifts or shorter stints.

Institutional Support

Many Canadian colleges and universities have welcomed the move, saying it could reduce student dropout rates due to financial burdens

CRA’s Role in Enforcing the New Work Hour Policy

Tax Compliance Now Mandatory

The CRA now requires international students to report all income earned during their studies, including part-time jobs, to remain tax compliant and qualify for future rebates or benefits.

Conditions for Students

International students must:

• Track all income and file tax returns on time
• Maintain a valid study permit and enrolment status
• Notify CRA and IRCC of changes in employer, academic program, or status
• Stay within the 24-hour work limit during study sessions

CRA Enforcement & Compliance Guidelines

CRA Requirement	Description
Income Reporting	All employment income must be declared
Permit Adherence	Students must comply with work hour and study rules
Information Updates	Students must notify CRA and IRCC of status changes
Consequences of Violation	Fines, permit suspension, or visa-related consequences

Failure to comply may result in severe immigration and tax penalties.

Employer Responsibilities Under the 2025 Rules

Hiring International Students Responsibly

Employers who hire foreign students must:

• Respect the 24-hour weekly work limit during academic terms
• Allow full-time work only during official school breaks
• Verify that the student has a valid study permit with work eligibility
• Accurately report wages for CRA tax purposes
• Ensure job roles do not conflict with students’ academic schedules

This clarity helps avoid legal complications and promotes fair hiring practices.

Tips for International Students Working in 2025

Follow These Best Practices

1. Track Weekly Work Hours – Never exceed the 24-hour cap during term time.
2. Check Your Study Permit – Ensure off-campus work is legally permitted.
3. Maintain Full-Time Enrolment – Only full-time students can work under these rules.
4. Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) – Required to work and file taxes in Canada.
5. Use Breaks Wisely – Maximize income during summer or winter holidays.
6. Stay Informed – Contact your school’s international office for updates.

This checklist ensures students can work confidently while remaining compliant with immigration and tax laws.

Summary Table: 2025 Work Rules for International Students

Aspect	Before 2025	2025 Regulation
Max work hours (academic terms)	20 hours/week	24 hours/week
Full-time work during breaks	Allowed	Still allowed
Eligibility criteria	Study permit + DLI	Unchanged
Income tax reporting	Optional	Mandatory under CRA
Consequences for non-compliance	Variable penalties	Risk of fines/visa loss

Challenges to Watch Out For

Academic Pressure

Balancing longer work hours with studies may pose challenges for students not used to strict scheduling or academic workloads.

Legal Risk from Violations

Unintentional overwork or underreporting income may lead to serious consequences, including visa cancellations or tax fines.

Regional Job Differences

Job availability may vary between provinces and urban vs rural areas, making planning essential.

Ongoing Policy Changes

Students should remain updated with IRCC and CRA announcements, as international student policies may evolve further.