Canada Adjusts Work Rules for International Students: Balancing Studies and Earning Potential

​​​​​​Canada has introduced modifications to its regulations regarding international students working off-campus while enrolled in their studies. While unlimited work hours are no longer permitted, a positive change is on the horizon: international students may soon be able to work up to 24 hours per week, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours.

Balancing Work and Studies

Working off-campus offers valuable benefits for international students. It allows them to gain valuable work experience and contribute financially towards their living expenses. However, studies conducted in Canada and the United States suggest that exceeding 28 hours of work per week can negatively impact academic performance and increase the likelihood of dropping out.

Policy Change and Rationale

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the termination of the temporary policy allowing students to work beyond 20 hours off-campus. Effective April 30, 2024, this policy will not be extended. The fall semester of 2024 will see a revised limit, allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus.

The Canadian government believes this new limit will ensure that international students prioritize their academic commitments while still retaining the option to work when necessary.

Working During Scheduled Breaks

The previous extension granted to the 20-hour workweek limit for international students expired on April 30, 2024. However, there's good news for students during scheduled academic breaks, such as winter, summer holidays, or fall/spring reading weeks. During these breaks, students can work full-time without restrictions on the number of hours. This allows for working overtime, taking on two part-time jobs that exceed typical work hours, or full-time employment.

Eligibility for Full-Time Work During Breaks:

To be eligible for full-time work during scheduled breaks, students must be enrolled full-time both before and after the break. Additionally, working during a break occurring prior to the first semester of study is not permitted.

• Be a registered full-time student before and after the break.

• Breaks occurring before the first academic semester are ineligible for full-time work authorization.

Important Note: There's no set definition for "full-time" work hours. However, employers must adhere to provincial regulations regarding overtime pay and breaks between work shifts.

Working Hour Restrictions and Consequences

Students enrolled in programs without scheduled breaks are limited to 20 hours of off-campus work per week. Exceeding this limit violates study permit conditions and can result in:

• Loss of student status

• Difficulty obtaining future study or work permits

• Potential deportation

Post-Graduation Work Permit Update:

International students commencing college programs under a public-private curriculum licensing agreement on or after May 15, 2024, will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. This policy change does not affect existing students enrolled before this date, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.

International Work Authorization Comparison:

• Australia: Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight (2 weeks).

• USA: Students must meet additional criteria before being permitted off-campus work.

Increased Cost-of-Living Requirement for Study Permits

Canada has also implemented a higher cost-of-living threshold that international student study permit applicants must meet. This change aims to ensure students are financially prepared for life in Canada and lessen their dependence on working while studying. Effective January 1, 2024, single applicants must demonstrate access to $20,635 CAD, representing 75% of the low-income cut-off (LICO), on top of their first year of tuition and travel costs.

Defining Full-Time Work

There's no official definition of "full-time" work in terms of hours per week. However, employers must adhere to all provincial laws regarding overtime pay and break times between shifts.

Importance of Following Regulations

Working more than the permitted 20 hours per week during semesters is a violation of a student's study permit conditions. Consequences can be severe, including the loss of student status, potential rejection of future study or work permit applications, and even deportation.

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility

This update also addresses post-graduation work permit eligibility for international students. Students who begin a college program delivered through a public-private curriculum licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation. Those who commenced this type of program prior to the May 15th deadline will retain eligibility for a post-graduation work permit, provided they meet all other criteria.

Conclusion

Canada's updated off-campus work policy reflects its commitment to supporting international students' holistic development by balancing work opportunities with academic pursuits. The revised regulations aim to create a conducive environment for students to thrive academically while gaining valuable work experience during their time in Canada.