New Rules for Canada’s International Student Program: What You Need to Know

Canada Updates Regulations to Protect International Students and Maintain Program Integrity.

Canada has long been a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, a multicultural society, and pathways to work or immigrate after graduation.

To ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program (ISP) and protect students from abuse, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new regulations that took effect recently.

Key Changes to the International Student Program

1. Off-Campus Work Hours Adjusted

Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during their academic sessions. This change aims to balance the need for work opportunities with a focus on academic success.
2. Approval Needed to Change Institutions

International students must now apply and gain approval for a new study permit before switching their designated learning institution (DLI). This change enhances accountability and program integrity.

3. Increased Oversight for DLIs

• Designated learning institutions are now required to submit compliance reports twice annually to IRCC, ensuring that enrolled students meet study permit conditions.
• ​Institutions that fail to comply with these requirements or verify acceptance letters may face suspension from admitting new international students for up to a year.

4. ​Letter of Acceptance Verification
A new verification process for letters of acceptance has proven effective. Since December 2023, IRCC has verified nearly 492,000 acceptance letters, identifying over 17,000 invalid or fraudulent documents.​

Impact and Support for Students

These measures provide greater oversight, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring a positive academic experience for international students. IRCC’s efforts to safeguard the program also align with Canada’s long-term economic goals, as outlined in the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan.

Minister’s Statement

“By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program,” said the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Quick Facts

• International students eligible for off-campus work must be enrolled full-time in a qualifying program lasting at least six months.
• Students can work full-time during scheduled breaks.
• Quebec DLIs have a grace period for compliance reporting setup.

These regulatory updates reflect Canada's commitment to providing a safe and equitable environment for international students, reinforcing its reputation as a leading educational destination. As these changes take effect, prospective and current international students should familiarize themselves with the new requirements to ensure a smooth educational journey in Canada.

Related Queries

How will the new off-campus work hours impact international students' academic performance

The new regulation allowing international students in Canada to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions is likely to have mixed impacts on their academic performance:Potential Benefits:

• Improved financial stability, reducing stress and allowing students to focus more on studies
• Better work-study balance with the ability to work three shifts, aligning with employer expectations

Potential Challenges:

• Time management issues balancing 24 work hours with academic responsibilities. 
• Possible negative impact on academic performance, as studies show working more than 28 hours weekly can lead to decline in academic success
• Reduced time for extracurricular activities and social engagement, which are important aspects of the overall educational experience

What are the key benefits of the new regulations for international students

The new regulations for Canada's International Student Program offer several key benefits for international students: 

Increased Work Opportunities

• Expanded Work Hours: International students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, increased from the previous 20-hour limit. This change provides students with greater flexibility to earn income and manage living expenses while studying1

Enhanced Protection and Security

• Fraud Prevention: By requiring students to apply for a new study permit before changing institutions, the regulations aim to protect students from fraudulent institutions and ensure a secure and transparent transfer process
• Compliance Reporting: Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must now submit bi-annual compliance reports to confirm student enrollment. This measure helps allocate resources to genuine students and prevents misuse of study permits

Improved Educational Experience

• Alignment with Labor Market Needs: The increased work hour limit aligns with Canada's evolving labor market, allowing students to gain valuable work experience that complements their academic pursuits
  
• Focus on Academic Success: By balancing work opportunities with educational commitments, the regulations aim to support students in achieving academic success while gaining practical experience

What are the potential challenges international students might face with the new rules

The new regulations for international students in Canada present several potential challenges:

​Financial Strain

• Limited Work Hours: The cap of 24 work hours per week off-campus may not be sufficient for some students to cover living and tuition expenses, especially in cities with high costs of living like Toronto
  
  
• Increased Financial Requirements: The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) requirement has doubled, adding a financial burden that could limit access to education for students from lower-income backgrounds
  
  

Academic and Emotional Challenges

• Time Management: Balancing work and academic responsibilities could become challenging, potentially affecting academic performance if students struggle to manage their time effectively
  
  
• Reduced Family Support: Restrictions on the Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) limit family reunification, which could affect the emotional well-being of students who rely on family support during their studies
  
  

Compliance and Administrative Burdens

• Study Permit Transfers: Students must apply for a new study permit when changing institutions, adding administrative hurdles and potential delays in their educational journey
  
  
• Increased Compliance Requirements: Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) face stricter reporting requirements, and non-compliance can lead to suspension from accepting new international students, which might impact students' choices and opportunities
  
  

Language Proficiency Requirements

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Changes: New language proficiency requirements for PGWP eligibility add additional financial and bureaucratic burdens on students, particularly those from non-English or non-French speaking countries

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