Canada has announced an increase in permissible work hours for eligible international students during academic terms, raising the limit from 20 to 24 hours per week. This policy adjustment aims to provide students with greater opportunities to gain work experience while maintaining their academic commitments. Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister, emphasized the intention behind this change, stating that it offers students more flexibility to balance their time and gain practical experience.
The move aligns with Miller’s previous remarks in October 2022, where he underscored the critical role of work experience for international students in addressing Canada’s labour shortages. He noted that as the economy grows faster than employers can fill positions, immigration becomes a vital solution to meet workforce demands. Allowing international students to work more while studying not only supports immediate economic recovery but also contributes to Canada’s long-term prosperity by integrating skilled workers into the labour market.
Key Updates to the International Student Program
1. Increased Work Hours:
International students can now work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, providing more employment opportunities while ensuring they maintain a balanced study schedule.
2. Full-Time Work During Academic Breaks:
Students are permitted to work full-time during designated academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. This adjustment enables students to enhance their financial stability without disrupting their education.
3. Special Provisions for Quebec Students:
In Quebec, eligible international students can work off-campus without requiring a separate work permit, provided they are enrolled full-time in recognized programs leading to degrees, diplomas, or certificates.
4. Enhanced Institutional Reporting:
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now mandated to report student enrollment and academic progress twice a year to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This measure ensures compliance with study permit conditions and upholds program integrity.
By implementing these changes, Canada aims to address labour shortages in key sectors, provide international students with valuable work experience, and support their academic success, all while maintaining the country’s high educational standards.