New Work Hours for International Students in Canada: 24 Hours a Week Starting September

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Key Takeaways:

Starting September, Canada increases off-campus work hours for international students during terms from 20 to 24 hours per week.
There are no work hour restrictions for international students during school breaks, allowing unlimited work.
Concerns arose that temporarily increased work hours during the pandemic might distract students from academics and affect foreign worker programs.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work Off-Campus?

Starting in September, the landscape for international students in Canada will see a significant shift in their work opportunities. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a key update allowing international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during the academic term. This policy adjustment reflects a change from the previous 20-hour weekly limit.

New Work Hours for International Students in Canada: 24 Hours a Week Starting September

What Changes Were Made During the Pandemic?

The government had initially lifted the work hour limit during the COVID-19 pandemic to mitigate labor shortages, allowing students to work beyond the typical restrictions. However, this temporary measure is set to expire. Up until September, the cap will revert to 20 hours per week before the new policy enabling 24 hours of work per week is permanently implemented.

What Are the Work Hour Rules When School is Not in Session?

It’s important for international students to note that there are no restrictions on the number of hours they can work during school breaks. This includes the summer and winter holidays, providing greater flexibility to earn additional income or gain more work experience during these periods.

Why Was the Temporary Waiver Considered a Concern?

There were concerns highlighted by officials in Miller’s department last year, according to The Canadian Press. They suggested that the temporary increase in allowed work hours could potentially distract students from their studies and conflict with the objectives of temporary foreign worker programs.

For more detailed and official information regarding policies for working as an international student in Canada, you can visit the Government of Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship page.

Conclusion

The update to the work hours for international students by Immigration Minister Marc Miller marks a pivotal change that grants students an opportunity to work more hours each week, aiding them financially and offering more professional development during their academic years. This change underscores Canada’s commitment to providing a supportive environment for international students. Remember, however, to balance work and study effectively to make the most out of your international education experience.

Learn Today:

Glossary or Definitions

Off-Campus Work: Refers to employment opportunities outside the university or college campus where international students can work to earn income. The number of hours allowed for off-campus work is regulated by immigration policies and may differ during the academic term and school breaks.
Work Hour Limit: The maximum number of hours that international students are permitted to work per week as determined by immigration regulations. This limit is crucial for ensuring that students balance their work commitments with their academic responsibilities.
Temporary Waiver: A short-term exemption or relaxation of certain immigration rules or restrictions, usually implemented during unique circumstances such as the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, a temporary waiver allowed international students in Canada to work beyond the usual limits temporarily.
Foreign Worker Programs: Initiatives established by governments to address labor shortages by allowing foreign individuals to work in the country for a specified period. These programs aim to meet specific economic needs while regulating the entry and stay of foreign workers within the legal framework.
Professional Development: Activities that enhance an individual’s skills, knowledge, and expertise in a particular field or profession. Increased work hours for international students can provide valuable professional development opportunities, enabling them to gain practical experience and improve their employability prospects after graduation.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Starting this September, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours off-campus weekly, up from the previous 20. No restrictions apply during school breaks. The pandemic’s temporary lift in work hour limits will revert to 20 hours until September, then resume. Balance work and study effectively for a fruitful international education experience.
— By VisaVerge.com