Canada Sets New Limits on Working Hours for International Students

December 7, 2023

SPS Canada

Breaking News: Canada Sets New Limits on Working Hours for International Students

Discover the latest in Canadian immigration policies as the country undergoes significant shifts in international student work regulations. In this update, explore what you need to know about Canada’s recent changes to working hours for international students. Stay informed about the key adjustments that may impact students’ employment opportunities and gain insight into navigating the evolving landscape of studying and working in Canada.

What are the alternatives for international students who wish to work off-campus?

In November of the previous year, Canada implemented a regulation allowing international students an exemption from the 20-hour work limit. This meant that students with a study permit could engage in off-campus employment without any hourly restrictions. The rule allowing international students to work unlimited hours off-campus is ending soon.

Where can international students seek guidance or clarification on any uncertainties regarding these regulations?

Across Canada, international students can seek guidance or clarification on any uncertainties regarding these regulations, and it emphasizes that international students in Canada have the opportunity to seek assistance and clarification regarding any questions or uncertainties they may have related to the regulations governing their status, including work permits and limitations.

When is the rule allowing international students to work unlimited hours off-campus expected to end?

the specific regulation granting international students the ability to work without hourly restrictions off-campus is set to expire on December 31, 2023. which implies a time-limited provision that allows international students in Canada to engage in off-campus employment without being subject to the usual restrictions on the number of hours they can work.

Why Canada’s Unlimited Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students Coming to an End?

There is no official explanation or detailed information provided by the Canadian government regarding the reasons behind the decision to terminate the specific rule allowing international students to work without hourly restrictions off-campus.

How did the exemption impact international students’ ability to work off-campus?

1. Study Permit Holder: You must currently hold a valid study permit.
2. Expired Study Permit: If your study permit has expired but you are still actively studying at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you are eligible.
3. Approved Study Permit (Not Yet Arrived): If your study permit has been approved, but you haven’t yet arrived in Canada, you still meet the conditions for the exemption.

Current conditions for Students in Canada

If your current permit allows you to work 20 hours per week off-campus or both on and off-campus based on eligibility, these rules apply to you.

New Conditions for Students in Canada

If you’re extending a study permit expiring between November 15, 2022, and December 31, 2023, you can work more than 20 hours off-campus until the original permit expires.

Your initial study permit application was received on or before October 7, 2022.

You must be a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

End of Unlimited Work Hours: Unfortunately, the rule allowing unlimited work hours for eligible students is ending. Many students, who often rely on multiple jobs to support themselves and their dependents, will be affected by this change.

 Who should take note?

Students and their employers must ensure that they can work off campus without a work permit before they start working. If students start working off campus but don’t meet the conditions and eligibility requirements, they may have to leave Canada.

Conclusion:

Canada’s recent decision to end the exemption allowing unlimited off-campus work hours for international students, effective December 31, 2023, marks a significant change. While the motivation behind this decision remains unclear, it poses challenges for students who rely on multiple jobs for support. Alternative conditions for off-campus work have been outlined for certain study permit extensions, emphasizing specific eligibility criteria. As international students adapt to these changes, seeking guidance and ensuring compliance is crucial. The impact extends beyond individual students, raising broader considerations for the international student community, employers, and educational institutions in Canada. Monitoring future developments in international student work regulations is essential in this evolving landscape.

Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. Get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPSCanada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada), support.amd@spscanada.com (Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +91 9586 226232 (Ahmedabad).

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