Canada Expands Work Hours For International Students To Boost Experience And Labour Force
Canada has increased the permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week. This policy shift is designed to provide students with more opportunities to gain work experience while balancing their academic pursuits.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, explained the rationale behind the adjustment, stating, “This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience.”
The decision aligns with earlier remarks Miller made in October 2022, where he underscored the importance of work experience for international students in addressing Canada’s labour needs. “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth,” he had said.
He further emphasized, “Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
Under the updated regulations, students can work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, allowing them to enhance their earnings without disrupting their education.
Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) are now mandated to submit biannual reports to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), confirming students’ enrollment status and academic progress. This measure aims to ensure compliance with study permit requirements and maintain the program’s integrity.
Additionally, international students in Quebec can work off-campus without a separate work permit, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. These include being enrolled full-time in qualifying programs that lead to a recognized degree, diploma, or certificate and last at least six months.
By introducing these measures, Canada seeks to balance the academic success of international students with their ability to contribute to the workforce, addressing labour shortages in critical sectors and enhancing opportunities for career growth.
