This information is current as of November 10, 2022, and is provided to you according to the information we have received from IRCC. Please be advised that the polices may change without notice. Please refer to IRCC’s website for the most up-to-date information.

On October 7, 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement on the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap on the number of hours that eligible international students are allowed to work off campus during academic terms. 

Please note that this new temporary measure does not apply to all students, and students are reminded to carefully review IRCC’s website and assess their eligibility. 

Work off-campus

Study permit holders who meet the requirements to work off-campus are normally restricted to up to 20 hours per week of off-campus work unless it is a regularly scheduled break.

From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, you can work more than 20 hours per week off campus while class is in session if you:

• hold a valid study permit and are studying full-time at SFU (or part-time during your final academic session), OR
• have been approved for a study permit but haven’t arrived in Canada yet

In addition, you must meet all these requirements:

• You must ensure that IRCC received 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.

Please be reminded that you must be a full-time student (except in your final term of study) and meet all off-campus work eligibility criteria in order to be eligible to work off-campus under your study permit. Study permit holders who meet the requirements to work off-campus are normally restricted to up to 20 hours per week of off-campus work unless it is a regularly scheduled break.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1) How many hours can I work with my off-campus work authorization? 

It will vary based on when your study permit application (or extension request) was received by IRCC, and the expiry date of your current study permit. Please refer to the table below to find out what may apply to you. 

2)  Can I do my SFU co-op term(s) with the off-campus work authorization under my study permit?        

From the immigration perspective, you may not need to apply for a co-op work permit if you meet certain criteria. However, please confirm your eligibility to particpate in SFU co-op terms and other requirements with your co-op advisors directly.

If your co-op placement ends after December 31, 2023, or if you are not eligible for the temporary measure, you must have a valid co-op work permit. Should you require a co-op work permit, please check the current processing time and apply well in advance to ensure you receive it in time for your desired co-op term(s).  

Please note that the above information is solely from the immigration standpoint. You should check with your co-op advisors to discuss your eligibility and confirm the required documentation to participate in co-op terms under this measure. 

3) Do I need to take any action to benefit from this?

No. 

The off-campus work authorization is written directly onto your study permit. Study permit holders who qualify for this temporary measure do not need to do anything to begin working more than 20 hours per week. 

4) How do I tell my employer that I can work more than 20 hours per week?

If an employer asks you for a proof that you can now work more than 20 hours per week, you could print off or provide a link to the news release announcing this measure to them if you meet all eligibility requirements.

5) Is there a restriction on the number of work hours I can work full-time? 

No. 

While we understand the benefits of being allowed to work for more than 20 hours per week off-campus, please carefully consider and balance your study and work commitments so that you can achieve your academic goals at SFU.

6) Can I work in multiple positions and work on and off campus at the same time? 

Yes. 

You may hold multiple positions on-campus and/or off-campus at the same time provided you meet all eligibility requirements. We would also like to remind you the importance of balancing your study and work to ensure you meet your academic goals at SFU

QUESTIONS?

If you have any additional questions relating to this temporary measure, enrollment requirements for international students, as well as your work eligibility, please reach out to an International Student Advisor, Immigration Specialist for assistance.