Excitement fill the heart of foreign students as Canada Increases Work Hours for International Students from 20 to 24.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 29th by the Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, during a press scrum at the Foyer of the House of Commons of Canada.
This announcement means that international students working off-campus can now work for up to 24 hours per week beginning in September, 2024.
Recall that in October 2022, the Canadian Government waived the 20-hour work limit for international students to address labor shortage as the country was still recovering from COVID-19 pandemic.
An extension of the policy was announced last December, to improve the economy of Canada and help students who were struggling financially.
However, the existing temporary full-time work policy will not be extended after April 30, 2024. From May 1st 2024, international students will only be permitted to work 20 hours on campus until September when the new policy takes effect.
Current Rule on Off-Campus Work Hours
International students who are qualified to work off-campus can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
However, during summer and winter breaks, there are no restrictions on the number of hours that overseas students can work.
Your eligibility to work off-campus is determined by and stated in your study permit.
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How Many Off-Campus Jobs Can I Take in Canada?
There are no limits to the number of jobs you can take as an international student in Canada as long as you maintain the maximum number of hours permitted.
Who is Eligible to Work Off-Campus in Canada?
If you are eligible to work off-campus in Canada, it will be stated on your study permit.
To work off-campus without a work permit, you must meet all the following requirements. You:
- Must be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institute.
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program (academic, vocational, or professional training).
- The duration of your study program must be at least six months leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Your studies have begun; you can’t work before your studies begin.
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How Many Hours Can I work On-Campus in Canada?
You are permitted to work for as many hours as possible on campus provided you are a registered full-time student in a post-secondary institution.
Your study permit must also state that you are eligible to work on campus. Furthermore, You can work as many hours as you want, in addition to working off campus. However, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a full-time student at a post-secondary educational institute.
- Hold a valid study permit
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
What Off-Campus Jobs Are Available for International Students in Canada?
- Sales assistant
- Graphics Designer
- Delivery Driver
- Accounting Clerk
- Content Writer
- Bartender
- Barista
- Dog Walker
Canada Increases Work Hours: Conclusion
The 24-hour cap placed on off-campus work hours for international students aims to address the recent surge in international students’ enrolment thereby ensuring the integrity of the system.
Critics have however made comments as to why the government did not approve 30 hours as earlier speculated.
The new 24-hour limit was deemed “reasonable” by the government, allowing students to manage three full eight-hour shifts per week without compromising their studies.
He said this decision is backed by internal research from the department, which found that over 80% of international students were working more than 20 hours a week under the temporary measures.
Until the new limit takes effect in September, the work hours will temporarily revert to 20 per week.
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