Canada Increased Work Hours for International Students to 24 Hours Weekly: Mark Miller

Marc Miller, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has announced a significant update for international students studying in Canada. Starting from November 8, 2024, eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during their academic terms. This change increases the previous limit of 20 hours per week, providing students with more opportunities to manage their work-life balance alongside their studies.

What Does This Change Mean for International Students?

This update is part of Canada’s continuous efforts to enhance its International Student Program (ISP). The new regulation aims to support students in gaining extra work experience and financial assistance while still prioritizing their main goal—completing their education.

Key Points of the Updated Regulation

1. Extended Work Hours: Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours weekly during their school terms if they qualify for off-campus work.
2. Changing Designated Learning Institution (DLI): In the future, international students will need to apply for and receive a new study permit before switching to a different DLI.

Who Can Work Off-Campus in Canada? Understanding Eligibility

Not all international students in Canada automatically qualify to work off campus. To follow Canadian immigration rules, both students and employers must confirm eligibility before any employment begins.

Requirements to Qualify for Off-Campus Work

Students can work off campus without needing a separate work permit if they meet these conditions:

1. Full-Time Enrollment: They must be registered as full-time students at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
2. Eligible Study Program:
   • Enrolled in post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training.
   • Pursuing secondary-level vocational programs in Quebec.
3. Program Duration: The course must last at least six months and lead to a diploma, degree, or certificate.
4. Valid Study Permit: They should have a study permit that includes conditions allowing off-campus work.
5. Social Insurance Number (SIN): Students need to obtain a SIN to work in Canada.

Restrictions on Off-Campus Work

Students cannot work off campus if:

• They are enrolled in English or French language courses (ESL/FSL), general interest classes, or preparatory programs.
• Their study permit specifically prohibits off-campus employment.
• They are on an authorized leave of absence or between schools without active enrollment.

How to Start Working Off-Campus: Key Steps for International Students

If you’re an international student looking to benefit from the new work-hour regulations, follow these essential steps:

1. Verify Conditions on Your Study Permit

• Verify if your study permit contains any of the following conditions:
  • “Eligible to work off-campus or full-time during scheduled breaks.”
  • “Allowed to accept on-campus or off-campus employment if eligibility requirements are met.”
• If these statements are missing, you can request an amendment to your permit at no cost to include them.

2. Get a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

• A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada. To apply, you must provide a valid study permit that confirms your eligibility to work.

3. Follow the Allowed Working Hours

• During School Terms: You can work up to 24 hours per week.
• During Scheduled Breaks: You are allowed to work without hourly limits as long as you remain a full-time student before and after the break.

Consequences of Breaking Work Regulations

If international students exceed the 24-hour weekly limit during academic sessions or work when they are not permitted, they could face serious consequences:

• Loss of Student Status: Violating these rules can result in losing your student status.
• Future Immigration Issues: It may impact eligibility for future immigration programs, including study or work permits.
• Risk of Deportation: Students could be asked to leave Canada.

Students must keep accurate records of their work hours and ensure they comply with the terms of their study permit.

Flexibility for Self-Employed Students

Self-employed students are also subject to the 24-hour work limit per week. The time is calculated based on any work where they earn wages, commissions, or provide services.

Switching Between Institutions

Under the new rules, international students must get a new study permit if they plan to transfer to a different institution. This requirement aims to enhance the integrity and accountability of the International Student Program (ISP).

Full-Time Work Options After Graduation

Graduates have certain conditions under which they can work full-time:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates can work full-time while waiting for their PGWP approval, as long as they are eligible for off-campus work during their studies.
• Starting a New Study Program: Students moving on to a new program can also work full-time during the transition period, provided they meet specific conditions.

Institutional Reporting and Compliance

To maintain the integrity of the ISP, designated learning institutions are required to report the enrollment status of their international students twice a year. Students who fail to meet enrollment requirements may face investigations and enforcement measures.

Canada’s Commitment to International Students

By allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, Canada offers international students more opportunities to support themselves, gain work experience, and contribute to the Canadian economy.

The option to work full-time during scheduled breaks further helps students increase their earnings while adhering to immigration regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Off-Campus Work Rules

Is it possible for students to work several jobs to meet the 24-hour limit?

Yes, students are allowed to hold multiple part-time jobs as long as the combined total hours do not exceed 24 hours per week during academic terms.

Do remote jobs count towards the 24-hour limit?

Yes, any remote work done for Canadian employers is included in the 24-hour weekly limit. However, work for employers outside of Canada does not count towards this limit.

Can students work while waiting for their study permit extension?

Yes, students can continue working if they apply for a study permit extension before their current permit expires and still meet all eligibility criteria.

What if a student’s enrollment status changes?

If a student drops to part-time status or temporarily leaves their program, they must stop working off-campus until they regain full-time status and eligibility.

Can students work full-time right after completing their program?

Yes, students can start working full-time if they apply for a work permit before their current study permit expires or if they are transitioning to a new study program.

Canada’s decision to let international students work up to 24 hours per week off-campus is a positive change that supports students in managing both their academic and financial responsibilities. By following these updated rules, students can make the most of this opportunity while continuing to pursue their education in Canada.