New Regulations on Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students Coming to Canada

Canada’s Commitment to International Students: Balancing Opportunity and Integrity

Highlighting the significant contributions of international students to Canada’s society, culture, and economy, recent months have seen Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada enact reforms to the International Student Program. These reforms aim to bolster system integrity while safeguarding students from fraud and financial risks.

Today, The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the conclusion of the temporary policy permitting students to work beyond 20 hours weekly off-campus, effective April 30, 2024, with no extension planned. Additionally, starting this fall, adjustments will allow students to work up to 24 hours per week off campus.

Emphasizing the primary purpose of students’ presence in Canada as education, the revised policy seeks to maintain a balance between academic focus and employment opportunities. This change acknowledges the importance of students’ ability to work while ensuring their commitment to studies remains paramount.

During academic breaks, such as the upcoming summer session, students with scheduled breaks can continue working without hourly limitations.

These adjustments stem from comprehensive considerations, including student needs, international policies, and research indicating the correlation between excessive work and diminished academic performance. The revised policy aims to provide students with work options without compromising their educational outcomes. Further details will be disseminated in the coming period.

Furthermore, ongoing efforts include the development of the Recognized Institutions Framework, which aims to recognize and reward post-secondary institutions that uphold stringent standards in selecting, supporting, and retaining international students. These initiatives underscore Canada’s commitment to supporting and safeguarding international students against financial vulnerabilities while upholding the integrity of the International Student Program.”