Temporary work rules for international students | I am an international student | Seneca Students

Update: The Government of Canada announced on Monday, Apr. 29, 2024 that the temporary policy below waiving the limit to work 20 hours a week, will not be extended. International students enrolled and attending the Summer 2024 academic term, will resume under the standing policy to work up to 20 hours a week only. There will be further updates leading to the Fall 2024 term, where the Government of Canada intends to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours.

The Government of Canada has announced a temporary policy that international students who are in Canada and have permission to work off campus will no longer be limited to work 20 hours or less each week. 

This temporary change is in force until Tuesday, Apr. 30, 2024. International students will resume working up to 20 hours a week off campus from May. 01, 2024 onwards if meeting conditions.

To work full-time hours off campus, international students must have:

• a valid study permit or already submitted an application for your study permit as of Dec. 7, 2023
• started a full-time Seneca program that is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate and have full-time student status
• study permit shows that you’re authorized to work off campus
• have received a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• a WIL / co-op placement that ends by April 30, 2024 (if applicable)

If you do not meet the conditions noted above, you may work up to 20 hours per week.

Review this resource to understand the various scenarios of when the submission of your study permit application (or extension) affect the hours permitted to work as an international student.
 

It is very important that international students balance their study and work commitments.

Seneca has many resources available to help:

• Seneca Works
• The Learning Centre
• Sessions and Support for International Students

For additional information, visit Seneca’s FAQs for international students or email theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca to connect with an immigration specialist.