Breaking News: New Work Limits for International Students in Canada

Beginning in October 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced temporary provisions permitting international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permits to work beyond the previous 20-hour limit while classes were in session.

However, commencing from this fall academic semester, international students in Canada will only be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. This comes as a surprise, as last December, IRCC had indicated its intention to explore options for potentially extending off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week during the academic term.

Minister Miller emphasized that working 30 hours a week during the academic year could negatively impact students' academic performance. Additionally, he mentioned that restricting off-campus work hours would discourage international students who might be primarily interested in working in Canada rather than studying.

Moreover, Minister Miller pointed out that the increase in the cost of living requirement for international students, announced last December, renders 24 hours of work per week likely sufficient. Applicants for a study permit are now required to demonstrate savings of $20,635, in addition to tuition costs.

International students currently in Canada during academic breaks can work unlimited hours, while those taking summer classes must adhere to the 20-hour per week rule.

Other Changes for International Students

This decision is part of a series of changes made to Canada's international student program, aimed at enhancing system integrity.

One significant change is the addition of a new step in obtaining a study permit. Students are now required to obtain a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province where their designated learning institution (DLI) is located. This step is part of an overall cap on the number of study permits IRCC will process in 2024.

Additionally, IRCC is working on implementing the Trusted Institutions Framework for DLIs in Canada, focusing on institutions with a proven track record of offering sufficient support to international students.

Eligibility to Work in Canada as an International Student

International students wishing to work off-campus during their academic year must meet several requirements, including:

• Holding a valid study permit.
• Studying full-time at a designated learning institution (DLI).
• Having already started studying at their DLI and maintaining satisfactory academic standing.
• Enrolled in an academic, vocational, or professional training program of at least six months' duration leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Possessing a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).

Students are allowed to work unlimited hours during academic breaks if they are enrolled to return to full-time studies in the upcoming semester.