Canada Increases Work Hours for International Students: What You Need to Know
November 18,2024 Amritpal Kaur
Canada has made a significant change to its immigration policy for international students, now allowing them to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic term. This change marks a shift from the previous limit of 20 hours per week, giving students more freedom to balance work and study. This new policy is expected to have a substantial impact on international students' ability to support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to Canada’s economy.
In this post, I’ll break down what this means for international students, how you can benefit from the new regulations, and the rules you need to follow to stay compliant.
Why This Change Matters
The Canadian government has made this adjustment to help international students better balance their financial needs with their academic goals. Many international students face high tuition fees and living expenses, and the ability to work more hours provides them with a better chance to earn extra income without jeopardizing their studies.
For students, this change offers greater financial flexibility, more opportunities for Canadian work experience, and the ability to integrate more into the local economy. For Canada, it’s another step toward making the country a welcoming and supportive environment for international students, who are an essential part of the Canadian workforce.
Changes to the Work Hours Policy
Increased Working Hours: Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
Work During Breaks: During academic breaks (such as summer or winter holidays), students can work full-time without restrictions, allowing them to maximize their earnings.
This policy is part of Canada’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the International Student Program (ISP), providing students with the means to better support themselves while ensuring that they can focus on their studies without financial stress.
Who Is Eligible to Work?
Not every international student in Canada automatically qualifies to work off-campus. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
Full-Time Enrollment: You must be enrolled full-time in an eligible program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
Valid Study Permit: Your study permit must explicitly allow off-campus work. Make sure to check the conditions listed on your permit.
Valid SIN: A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required for all students working in Canada. You can apply for one once you meet the eligibility criteria.
If your study permit does not allow you to work off-campus, you will need to request an amendment. It’s important to ensure that you are complying with all the requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities.
Restrictions to Keep in Mind
While the new regulation offers flexibility, there are still some important restrictions students should be aware of:
Program Restrictions: Students enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) programs are not eligible to work off-campus. Only students in academic, vocational, or professional training programs can work.
Study Permit Limitations: If your study permit prohibits off-campus work, you are not allowed to work, regardless of other factors.
Inactive Status: Students who are on an authorized leave or not enrolled full-time at a DLI are not permitted to work off-campus.
Make sure to thoroughly review your study permit conditions and ensure you meet all requirements before starting work.
Steps to Start Working
If you're eligible and ready to begin working, here’s what you need to do:
Check Your Study Permit: Ensure your study permit allows off-campus work. The permit should state something like “may work off-campus” or “may accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria.”
Obtain a SIN: A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required to work in Canada. You can apply for one through Service Canada.
Track Your Work Hours: Ensure you do not exceed the 24-hour work limit during academic terms. If you work during academic breaks, you are allowed to work full-time.
What Happens If You Violate the Work Conditions?
Failing to comply with the work restrictions can have serious consequences:
You may lose your student status.
You could face ineligibility for future permits or immigration programs.
In extreme cases, you could be removed from Canada.
To avoid these consequences, keep careful records of your work hours, and ensure you never exceed the limit of 24 hours per week during the academic term.
Special Considerations for Self-Employed Students
Self-employed students are also subject to the 24-hour weekly limit. This applies whether you are working as a freelancer, running your own business, or offering services to clients. Your hours will be calculated based on the time spent working, earning commissions, or providing services.
Working After Graduation: What Are the Options?
Once you’ve completed your studies, there are still opportunities for you to work in Canada:
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): After graduation, international students can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to work full-time in Canada for up to three years, depending on the length of their program. If you were eligible for off-campus work during your studies, you can continue working while your PGWP application is being processed.
Transitioning Between Programs: If you’re starting a new program, you may be able to work full-time during the interim period between programs, as long as you maintain full-time status and meet other eligibility criteria.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s decision to allow international students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms provides a valuable opportunity for students to support themselves financially and gain work experience. With the added flexibility to work full-time during academic breaks, students can make the most of their time in Canada, both academically and professionally.
By staying informed of the rules and regulations and ensuring that your study permit allows for off-campus work, you can fully take advantage of this new policy. If you have any questions or need assistance with your study permit or work authorization, contact us today for expert guidance and support!