Working Off Campus

On April 29, 2024, the Canadian Government announced new rules around off-campus work hours by international students.

Beginning on September 1, 2024, it is expected that international students who are enrolled in full-time studies will be able to work off campus up to a maximum of 24 hours per week during the academic year (September to April). Until this number is officially confirmed, the current maximum for off-campus work is 20 hours per week.

Scheduled Breaks

Many academic programs at Dalhousie include scheduled breaks (e.g. summer and winter holidays, reading weeks, and the time between academic terms). During scheduled breaks, there is no limit on the number of hours per week international students may work off campus IF:

• their academic program includes scheduled breaks (e.g no classes during summer holidays);
• they were enrolled in full-time studies before the break; and,
• they will be enrolled in full-time studies after the break.

Academic Programs without Scheduled Breaks

However, international students who are enrolled in programs with no scheduled breaks (e.g. continuous study from start to completion) are limited to 20 hours per week of off-campus work (or 24 hours per week, if/when officially confirmed) for the duration of their program. The only exceptions are during reading weeks and the time between academic terms.

Are you eligible to work off campus?

You can work off campus without a Work Permit if you meet the following requirements:

• You have a valid study permit or you have applied to extend your study permit and have maintained status.
• Your study permit states that you are authorized work off campus (e.g. “may accept employment” or “may work”). If your study permit does not authorize you to work, you must apply to amend your study permit (refer to “Amending your Study Permit” section on the Working in Canada page). 
• You are registered as a full-time student for immigration purposes. 
• You have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

For more information about working off campus, eligibility requirements, and restrictions, visit the Government of Canada’s Work Off Campus as an International Student page.