In a significant change for international students, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has officially announced that international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session. This update, effective as of November 15, 2024, marks a departure from the previous 20-hour weekly limit.
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Key Changes to Work Regulations for International Students
Expanded Work Hours Off-Campus
- The prior cap allowed international students to work only 20 hours per week off-campus while enrolled in academic sessions.
- As of November 15, 2024, students can now legally work 24 hours per week, providing more flexibility and opportunities to support their financial needs.
- According to Minister Miller, the increase aims to strike “the appropriate balance so students have the option to work without compromising academic outcomes.”
Work During Academic Breaks and On Campus
- The 24-hour cap applies solely to off-campus work during academic terms. International students are still free to work:
- Unlimited hours on campus at their respective institutions.
- Any number of hours off-campus during scheduled academic breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.
New Rules for Changing Schools
In addition to the revised work hour policy, the IRCC introduced stricter regulations regarding study permits for students who wish to change schools:
- International students must now apply for and, in some cases, be approved for a new study permit before transferring to a different designated learning institute (DLI).
- Previously, students could change schools using their existing study permit, provided they updated their information through their IRCC online account.
Reason Behind the New Requirement
The IRCC emphasized that these updates aim to “strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program” and ensure better monitoring and compliance.
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Background on Work Hours Policy for International Students
The regulation governing work hours for international students has evolved over the years. Here’s a brief overview:
- Pre-Pandemic Rules:
- Traditionally, international students could work a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions.
- Pandemic-Related Temporary Policy:
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temporary policy allowed students to work up to 40 hours per week to help address Canada’s labor shortages and offer students greater financial earning opportunities.
- This temporary policy expired on April 30, 2024.
- Current Policy:
- The new regulation, effective from November 15, 2024, sets the off-campus work limit at 24 hours per week during school terms.
Implications for International Students
Benefits of Increased Work Hours
- Greater Financial Stability: The ability to work 24 hours per week can help students better manage tuition fees, living expenses, and other financial responsibilities.
- Enhanced Work Experience: Students can gain more work experience in Canada, which may benefit future career prospects.
Potential Challenges
- Academic Impact: Balancing work and studies may become more challenging, and students must prioritize their academic commitments to maintain their visa status.
- Compliance with IRCC Regulations: Students must adhere to the new rules, including the school change requirements, to avoid jeopardizing their study permits.
The increase to 24 hours of off-campus work per week is a welcome change for many international students, offering more opportunities to earn income while studying. However, students must be mindful of balancing their academic performance with their work commitments and ensure they follow the new regulations regarding school transfers.
With these updates, Canada continues to refine its policies to support international students while maintaining the integrity of its immigration programs.
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