In a move reflecting shifts in immigration regulations, Canada has announced updates to its off-campus work policies for international students. Spearheaded by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, these changes seek to harmonize the needs of international students with the integrity of Canada’s immigration framework.
New Work Hour Guidelines
Commencing from the fall semester of the current academic year, international students studying in Canada will now be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic term. This adjustment deviates from the prior temporary provision, which allowed students to exceed the standard 20-hour limit.
Crucial Points for International Students
- New Limit: Effective September 2024, international students can engage in off-campus work for up to 24 hours per week while maintaining full-time enrollment.
- Previous Policy: A temporary measure, operational from October 2022 to April 2024, permitted unrestricted off-campus work hours.
- Unrestricted Hours During Breaks: Students retain the privilege of working unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks, provided they intend to resume full-time studies in the subsequent semester.
Eligibility Criteria for Off-Campus Employment
International students aspiring to work off-campus during the academic year must fulfill specific prerequisites:
- Valid Study Permit: Possession of a valid study permit issued by Canadian authorities is mandatory.
- Full-Time Enrollment: Enrollment in a full-time program at a designated learning institution (DLI) is a prerequisite.
- Academic Performance: Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout their academic tenure.
- Program Duration: The educational or vocational program must span at least six months and culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Possession of a valid SIN is imperative for employment eligibility.
Rationale Behind the Amendments
Minister Miller elucidated that maintaining the work limit at 24 hours weekly aligns with considerations for students’ academic advancement. Surpassing this threshold, as previously proposed (30 hours per week), could potentially impede students’ academic progress.
Financial Considerations
The adjustment to 24 hours corresponds with augmented cost-of-living requisites for international students, as announced in December. Prospective study permit holders must exhibit financial stability, with a minimum savings threshold of $20,635, in addition to tuition expenses.
Changes to Canada’s International Student Program
This policy overhaul forms part of a broader initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to fortify the integrity of the international student program. Recent alterations encompass:
- Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL): Students now necessitate a PAL from the province housing their DLI to secure a study permit.
- Trusted Institutions Framework: IRCC is instituting a framework to identify DLIs with a proven track record of supporting international students.
Canada’s recent revisions to off-campus work policies for international students underscore a commitment to harmonizing educational pursuits with immigration integrity. These adjustments are designed to bolster student support while upholding the integrity of the immigration system, ensuring that international students contribute positively to Canada’s academic milieu.
