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Who can engage in off campus work?

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Currently, international students who have begun their studies in Canada at an eligible educational institution may get authorization to engage in off campus work during the course of their education for up to 20 hours per week during regular school terms or semesters.

 

Changes made to the 20-hour off campus work authorization

 

As of November 15, 2022 until December 31, 2023, international students who are studying in Canada and have a study permit that lets them engage in off campus work can work more than 20 hours per week off campus while classes are in session from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023.

 

Who can work more than 20 hours per week off campus?

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You can engage in more than 20 hours per week of off campus work while classes are in session from November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, if you are a study permit holder studying full-time at a DLI (or part-time during your final academic session), OR have been approved for a study permit but have not yet arrived in Canada.

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You must also meet the following requirements for off campus work:

  • You submitted your application for this study permit (including extensions) on or before October 7, 2022.

  • You must have an off-campus work authorization on your study permit.

  • You must be either in Canada or coming to Canada by December 31, 2023.

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So how many hours in total can you do off campus work?

 

Instead of being limited to 20 hours per week, post-secondary international students will be able to engage in off campus work as much as they want beginning November 15. The interim measure will be in effect until December 31, 2023.

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The temporary policy is intended to benefit Canadian employers while also giving international students the opportunity to gain more Canadian work experience through off campus work, which is especially important if their long-term goal is to gain permanent residency.

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Co-op work permits and off campus work authorization

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Between November 15, 2022 and December 31, 2023, you may not be required to submit a co-op work permit application. If you satisfy all of the following conditions, you do not need a co-op work visa to complete your co-op placement.

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  • Your application for this study permit was submitted on or before October 7, 2022, and you possess a valid study permit.

  • Your study permit indicates that you have permission to engage in off-campus work.

  • You qualify for the temporary policy modification that allows you to engage in off campus work for more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.

  • Your co-op assignment ends on December 31, 2023.

 

If your co-op placement ends after December 31, 2023, or if you are ineligible for the temporary policy change, you must submit an application for a co-op work visa to cover the period beyond that date. During this time, you may begin your co-op placement prior to receiving your permit. Your other off campus work will not be affected.

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