Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that IRCC will not renew the temporary off-campus work hours measure.
Beginning in October 2022, IRCC will start temporarily allowing international students with an off-campus work authorization on their study permits to work more than 20 hours per week while class is in session, as had previously been the rule.
Instead, beginning in the fall academic semester this year, international students in Canada will be permitted to work up to 24 hours a week while class is in session. This is unexpected, as last December, the IRCC stated that it would continue to examine alternatives for this policy in the future, such as expanding off-campus work hours for foreign/ international students to 30 hours per week while class is in session.
Today, the minister stated that working 30 hours a week during the academic year would inevitably have a detrimental effect on the student’s academic performance.
Further, he stated that limiting the number of off-campus hours a student can work would help deter those international students who might apply for a study permit with a primary objective of working in Canada.
He also mentioned that 24 hours would be sufficient because of the increased cost of living requirement for international students declared last December. A single study permit applicant who wishes to study in Canada as an international student must be able to prove they have over $20,635 saved up along with the cost of tuition.
In addition, international students presently in Canada on an academic break are permitted to work unlimited hours. Those who are taking summer classes must now adhere to the 20 hours week rule.
Other Changes For International Students
IRCC will not renew the temporary off-campus work hours measure. However, there has been a recent change in Canada’s international student program. IRCC states that these changes are targeted at improving the integrity of the system.
For instance, the department added another step to obtaining a study permit. Students must now get a Provincial Attestation Letter from the province where their DLI is located. This is part of an overall cap on the number of study permits IRCC will process in 2024.
The department is also working on implementing the Trusted Institutions Framework for DLIs in Canada, which has a proven record of offering adequate support to international students.
Are You Eligible To Work In Canada As An International Student?
International students who wish to work off-campus during their academic year must meet several requirements, including:
- Hold a valid study permit
- Studying full-time at a DLI
- Already have started studying at their DLI and remain in satisfactory academic standing
- Studying in an academic, professional, or vocational training program which is at least six months in duration and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Having a valid Social Insurance Number
Students may conclude to work unlimited hours in Canada during academic breaks provided they are enrolled to return to full-time studies in the upcoming studies.