Canada Increases Off-Campus Work Hours For International Students

Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, has recently issued a substantial upgrade, expanding off-campus employment hours for international students to 24 hours per week! While increasing from 20 to 24 hours may appear insignificant, this small change permits students and employers to work three shifts per week instead of two.

Key Takeaway

• Starting in the fall of 2024, international students in Canada will be entitled to work up to 24 hours per week during term time.
• The public policy that allows certain international students in Canada to work full-time will not be continued beyond April 30th, 2024.
• All overseas students must limit their term time and off-campus work hours to 20 hours per week until Fall 2024, when the new 24-hour rule takes effect.

New Off-Campus Work Limit: 24 hours per week!

Canada is bravely raising abroad students’ off-campus employment hours to 24 hours per week from 20. Fall will bring this lasting change.

Increasing off-campus work from 20 to 24 hours may seem modest, but it allows students and companies to work three shifts per week instead of two. Some shift-based jobs have a seven- or eight-hour cycle, so employers may be less eager to train new hires who can only work two shifts each week.

Three weekly shifts and 24 hours of off-campus work each week enhance employer trust in recruiting student workers and put more money in their pockets, which can assist cover international student tuition fees in Canada.

This change was carefully reviewed in light of standard shift lengths and research showing that extended work hours hurt academic performance. Research links longer study hours to worse academic performance and increased dropout rates.

Canada recognizes these concerns and offers international students a balance of academic excellence and financial help.

Rationale for the 24-Hour Work Limit

According to Marc Miller, the 24-hour work week, which consists of three eight-hour shifts, establishes a suitable equilibrium that has no substantial impact on scholastic performance. This aligns with the international student program’s primary premise of prioritizing academic pursuits over jobs.

Miller recognizes the financial obstacles that overseas students experience, but underlines the significance of guaranteeing their financial security.

What does this Mean for Current International Students?

This new rule will not go into effect until Fall 2024, thus students presently studying in Canada must follow current restrictions when it comes to working in Canada as an international student. That is, up to 20 hours a week during school hours and full-time during scheduled breaks.

What does this Mean for Future International Students?

For those considering starting studies in Canada, the new rule allows you to work up to 24 hours per week while studying. This may appear trivial, but it will enable you to earn more money to fund your studies. Consider Ontario as an example. If you work a minimum-wage job in Ontario, this equates to approximately $2000 in extra money for the school year.

How does this compare to other countries?

Governments usually limit international students’ term-time study hours. US and Canadian studies indicated that students who worked more than 28 hours per week performed worse academically.

A recent change allows Australian international students to work 48 hours every two weeks. Students in the US must complete additional requirements to work off campus, and even then, they can only work 20 hours per week. International students in the UK can only work 20 hours per week during term time.

Previous Attempts to Allow International Students to Work Longer Hours

Canada relaxed the 20-hour per week off-campus work restriction for overseas students in October 2022, with the goal of supporting local economies and reducing students’ financial burdens during the pandemic recovery.

Following that, in December 2023, the policy was expanded to allow unrestricted off-campus working hours for overseas students, so aiding to economic recovery efforts. However, this insurance expires on April 30th and will not be renewed.

The waiver allowing overseas students to exceed the 20-hour per week off-campus job limit during the academic term will be in force until April 30, 2024. This extension mostly affected current students in Canada and candidates who applied for study permits before December 7, 2023.

Will the Public Policy be extended?

The short answer is: no. The policy is scheduled to expire on April 30th and will not be renewed. The decision is based on the policy’s effectiveness in promoting economic recovery, which has reduced the need for its continuation.

This means that if you are an international student who is currently working full-time during term time, you must cut your hours to a maximum of 20 hours per week by April 30th, 2024. If you work more than 20 hours per week during term time as of April 30th, 2024, there may be substantial consequences for future immigration petitions.

Will International Students Be Able to Work Full-Time During Breaks Under the New 24-Hour Work Limit?

Yes, the new 24-hour work limit limits the number of hours an overseas student can work during term time. During school breaks, overseas students can continue to work full-time.

Continued Reforms for International Students

The changes to off-campus employment hours are only one component of a larger reform plan for the international student program. In addition to adjusting off-campus employment hours, Canada is actively working with provincial and territorial partners to accelerate development.

In addition, a recognized institution structure has been developed to reward postsecondary schools that provide additional help to international students.

By implementing these reforms, Canada demonstrates its commitment to the success of the foreign student program and is taking urgent action to improve it for all participants.

Impact on Permanent Residency Pathways.

When studying in Canada, keep in mind that job experience acquired while still a student does not contribute toward the minimum requirements for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program.

However, there is good news for individuals applying under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program. Student work experience can count towards the minimum requirements if it fits the following criteria: paid, continuous (no gaps), and meets all program requirements.

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