New International Student Program regulations take effect
With this change, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session.
Canada’s reputation as a top destination for international students is driven by its diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and opportunities for work or immigration after graduation. To ensure the continued success of the International Student Program (ISP), it is crucial that the system remains sustainable and that students are protected from exploitation.
Over the past year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has taken significant measures to safeguard the ISP by combating fraud and shielding students from financial vulnerability and bad actors. As part of the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada aims to reduce its temporary resident population over the next few years, aligning with long-term economic goals and reinforcing the integrity of its temporary resident programs.
Today, Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that new regulations affecting the International Student Program are now in effect, including a change to the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus. As proposed earlier this year, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week while their classes are in session.
In addition, international students will now be required to apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before transferring to a different learning institution. This update is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the ISP’s integrity.
Designated learning institutions (DLIs) play a critical role in ensuring the program is not misused. Since 2015, the IRCC has collaborated with DLIs to enhance compliance reporting. Now, DLIs that fail to submit required compliance reports or verify acceptance letters will face consequences. Failure to provide necessary information could result in a DLI being suspended from accepting new international students for up to a year.
These changes are designed to improve oversight of the ISP while also supporting international students and protecting their academic experiences in Canada.
