Canada has raised the permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week.
The move is part of efforts to provide more opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience while maintaining academic focus.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, emphasized the purpose of this change, stating, “This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.”
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The decision builds on Miller’s earlier remarks in October 2022, where he highlighted the need to address labour shortages through immigration and support for international students. He noted at the time, “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth.
“Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country, while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
International students are now allowed to work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. These breaks enable students to earn more without interfering with their class schedules, offering increased financial stability.
The new regulations allow students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, ensuring they can take on additional work while maintaining their academic schedules.
Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) must now submit reports twice a year to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These reports verify students’ enrollment status and academic progress, ensuring adherence to study permit conditions.
Under the updated rules, students must seek approval before transferring to another DLI. This measure ensures compliance with study permit requirements and maintains the program’s integrity.
Eligible students in Quebec can work off-campus without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific criteria. These include full-time enrollment in post-secondary, vocational, or professional training programs or vocational training at the secondary level. The courses must be at least six months long and lead to recognized qualifications such as a degree, diploma, or certificate.
By implementing these changes, Canada seeks to create a balance between academic success and work experience for international students while addressing labour shortages in critical sectors.
