1.1 Overview of the Policy Change
In November 2024, Canada implemented a new policy that allows international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions. This adjustment marks a significant increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week, a regulation that had been in place for years. The decision to increase work hours reflects Canada’s growing recognition of the challenges faced by its international student population and a desire to offer them more flexibility in managing their finances while studying.
This policy change was announced by Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), as part of a broader initiative aimed at adapting to the needs of international students as well as addressing labor shortages in Canada. The government’s objective is twofold: to provide students with greater financial autonomy and to ensure they can continue focusing primarily on their education. The change reflects a balanced approach, acknowledging both the financial pressures international students face and the importance of maintaining academic success.
The increase to a 24-hour cap represents a strategic middle ground. It allows students to earn more while minimizing the risk of jeopardizing their academic responsibilities, which was a significant concern when students were limited to only 20 hours per week. This adjustment aims to support students as they navigate rising tuition fees, accommodation costs, and the general cost of living in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal—all while ensuring they do not lose sight of their educational goals. By addressing these practical needs, Canada aims to make the country a more attractive destination for international students who often have to weigh the benefits of studying abroad against significant financial burdens.
1.2 Why Was the Policy Updated?
Economic Pressures on Students
International students contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, paying tuition fees that are often three to four times higher than those paid by domestic students. This revenue helps fund university programs, research initiatives, and campus infrastructure, which collectively benefit the entire student body. However, many international students face immense financial strain, particularly given the high cost of living in major Canadian cities. Rising accommodation costs, increased expenses for basic needs, and additional university-related expenses such as textbooks, technology, and other course materials can make financial stability challenging.
The updated policy aims to address these economic pressures by enabling students to manage their financial obligations more effectively. For instance, a student earning $18 per hour can now earn an additional $288 monthly by working an extra eight hours each week—a change that can make a tangible difference in their budget. This additional income may help cover essential expenses, reduce the need for student loans, or enable students to participate more actively in campus life and social activities without constant financial worries.
Supporting Canada’s Labor Market
In addition to supporting students, the new work-hour policy is intended to help meet Canada’s labor market demands. Canada has been experiencing labor shortages across various sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation. By allowing international students to work additional hours, the government is effectively providing businesses with access to a reliable, skilled, and eager workforce. For employers, international students offer a valuable source of talent—individuals who are already committed to living and working in Canada, speak the language, and have a strong work ethic.
Ensuring Academic Integrity
The 24-hour limit also reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that international students remain focused on their studies. Unlike the temporary COVID-19 policy that allowed students to work up to 40 hours per week, this cap aims to maintain a balance between work and academics. During the pandemic, some students struggled to manage the increased work hours alongside their coursework, which often resulted in diminished academic performance. By setting a reasonable limit of 24 hours per week, the new policy encourages students to prioritize their education while still being able to support themselves financially. This ensures that students can meet their academic goals, contributing to a positive and enriching experience in Canada.
1.3 Key Provisions of the Policy
Off-Campus Work
The new 24-hour limit applies exclusively to off-campus work during academic sessions. This provides international students with the opportunity to work in diverse environments, ranging from retail to internships related to their field of study, enabling them to gain valuable real-world experience. This flexibility also allows students to engage with local communities, better understand Canadian culture, and create professional networks that could benefit them after graduation.
On-Campus Work
The new regulations leave on-campus jobs—such as those in libraries, research labs, or administrative offices—uncapped. On-campus positions are especially beneficial because they often align with academic schedules and provide an opportunity for students to integrate more deeply into their university’s community. Working on-campus can also contribute to a student’s career goals, as these jobs are often related to their field of study or academic interests, providing direct exposure to relevant experiences and mentorship from faculty members.
Break Periods
During scheduled academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, students are permitted to work full-time off-campus. These periods provide an excellent opportunity for international students to maximize their earnings, save for the upcoming academic year, and gain work experience relevant to their career goals. For students pursuing degrees in fields like engineering, business, or healthcare, these breaks also present a chance to secure internships or co-op positions that may bolster their resumes and future employment prospects.
Section 2: Context of the Work Hour Policy
2.1 Pandemic-Era Policies
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian government introduced a temporary measure allowing international students to work up to 40 hours per week off-campus. This unprecedented move was designed to address labor shortages in critical sectors, including healthcare, food supply, and logistics, which were under significant strain due to the pandemic. It was also intended to provide financial relief to students, many of whom faced financial hardships as their families and countries of origin were also impacted by the pandemic.
While the temporary policy offered significant financial relief, it also introduced new challenges for many international students. Balancing the increased work hours with full-time studies proved to be a demanding task, and some students struggled to maintain their academic performance. This underscored the importance of a balanced policy that could meet both the financial needs of students and their educational priorities. The experience highlighted the necessity for a long-term, sustainable approach that could adequately address both labor market needs and the welfare of international students.
2.2 Transition to the 24-Hour Limit
With the pandemic largely subsided, the government sought to create a sustainable framework that balanced student needs with broader labor market demands. The 24-hour work limit represents a compromise that aims to accommodate both students and employers without compromising academic integrity. By allowing students to work more than they previously could, Canada demonstrates its commitment to supporting international students’ financial well-being while acknowledging the challenges of maintaining strong academic performance under high work demands.
The new policy also aligns with Canada’s broader goals of fostering a highly educated and skilled workforce. International students bring a wealth of knowledge, cultural diversity, and fresh perspectives that are valuable to the Canadian economy. By limiting off-campus work hours during academic sessions, the government ensures that students dedicate adequate time to their studies, which in turn supports their long-term academic and professional success. The policy strikes a balance that benefits both students, by providing financial support, and the Canadian economy, by preparing a skilled and educated workforce for the future.
Section 3: Changes to Study Permit Regulations
3.1 Switching Schools: A New Process
Previously, international students studying in Canada could transfer from one Designated Learning Institution (DLI) to another by simply updating their IRCC online account. This process was straightforward but lacked sufficient oversight to ensure that all transfers were legitimate and properly documented. Under the new policy, students are required to apply for a new study permit if they wish to transfer to a new DLI. This change adds a layer of accountability, ensuring that students remain in compliance with immigration regulations.
Administrative Changes
The new process requires students to submit detailed information when changing institutions, such as proof of acceptance into the new DLI and an updated academic plan. While this change introduces additional administrative steps, it aims to improve the transparency of student records and ensure that the IRCC can effectively track students’ academic progress. This level of oversight is intended to protect the integrity of Canada’s international student program and prevent potential misuse of study permits.
Examples of the New Process
Consider a student transitioning from a language school to a university. Under the new regulations, the student must apply for a new study permit, detailing their acceptance into the university and outlining their updated academic plan. This ensures that the IRCC is aware of the student’s educational journey and can verify that they are in compliance with their visa conditions. This additional scrutiny helps prevent unauthorized activities, such as using a study permit to stay in Canada without pursuing a legitimate course of study.
3.2 Why the Change?
Strengthening Program Integrity
The requirement to apply for a new study permit when changing schools aims to uphold the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program by preventing unauthorized transfers. In the past, there were instances of students misusing study permits by enrolling in a DLI and subsequently transferring to a non-academic institution or dropping out altogether without proper notification. By introducing stricter controls, the government hopes to ensure that international students are genuinely pursuing their academic goals and not taking advantage of the system for other purposes.
Enhancing Accountability
By requiring students to apply for a new permit when changing institutions, the government aims to enhance accountability and ensure that students are actively engaged in their academic pursuits. This additional step ensures that every transfer is documented and approved, thereby allowing IRCC to maintain accurate records and provide appropriate support to students when needed. It also gives educational institutions greater assurance that their incoming international students are fully authorized and prepared to participate in their programs.
Section 4: Navigating Work and Study
4.1 Balancing Academics and Employment
For many international students, balancing work and study is an ongoing challenge. The increased 24-hour work limit provides more flexibility, but it also requires careful time management. Students need to be strategic about how they use their time to ensure they can meet both academic and employment commitments effectively. Proper planning and prioritization are key to achieving this balance and making the most of the opportunities available in Canada.
Tips for Success
Create a Schedule: One of the most effective ways to balance work and study is by creating a detailed schedule that outlines all academic and work-related commitments. By dedicating specific times for lectures, study sessions, work shifts, and personal activities, students can better manage their responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.
Prioritize High-Value Work: International students should aim to secure jobs that offer higher wages or are closely related to their career aspirations. For example, working in a research lab or as a teaching assistant can provide valuable experience that may be directly applicable to a student’s field of study. Higher-paying positions also mean that students can work fewer hours while earning the same amount, which leaves more time for studying.
4.2 Maximizing Academic Breaks
Academic breaks provide international students with an excellent opportunity to gain full-time work experience. During these periods, students can work full-time off-campus, which is particularly beneficial for those who need to save money for the upcoming semester. In addition to financial benefits, working full-time during breaks allows students to gain experience in industries that align with their academic and career goals, making them more competitive in the job market after graduation.
Break periods are also ideal for pursuing internships or co-op programs that are directly related to a student’s field of study. These opportunities provide valuable industry experience, allowing students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations. This not only enhances their resumes but also provides networking opportunities that could lead to future employment in Canada.
Section 5: Supporting International Students
Canada offers a variety of resources to support international students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Many of these resources are designed to help students balance their studies with part-time work and ensure they have access to the support they need while living in a new country.
Campus Career Services
Universities and colleges across Canada have dedicated career services teams that assist students in finding part-time jobs, internships, and co-op placements. These services often include resume and cover letter workshops, interview preparation sessions, and job fairs where students can connect with potential employers. Career services also provide students with information about work permits and other requirements, ensuring that they are well-informed about their options and responsibilities.
Immigration Assistance
Many educational institutions offer immigration assistance to international students, helping them navigate the complexities of study permits, work permits, and other visa-related issues. This support can be invaluable, particularly for students who are unfamiliar with Canadian immigration policies. By providing guidance on study permits and visa requirements, institutions help ensure that students remain in compliance with immigration regulations and can focus on their studies without unnecessary stress.
5.2 Employers’ Role
Employers also play an important role in supporting international students. By providing flexible schedules, fair wages, and a supportive work environment, employers can help students balance their work and academic commitments. Employers who understand the unique challenges faced by international students are more likely to create a positive work environment that enables students to succeed both in the workplace and in their studies.
Section 6: Broader Impacts of the Policy Changes
6.1 Economic Contributions
International students contribute significantly to Canada’s economy, not only through tuition fees but also as members of the workforce. By allowing students to work more hours, Canada aims to enhance these contributions while ensuring that students can achieve their academic goals. The additional work hours provide students with greater financial independence, reducing their reliance on loans or family support. This, in turn, makes Canada a more attractive destination for prospective international students who are considering studying abroad.
6.2 Reinforcing Canada’s Global Reputation
Canada is known for its welcoming attitude toward international students, and the recent policy changes reinforce this reputation. By adapting its policies to meet the needs of international students, Canada continues to attract talented individuals from around the world. These students not only contribute to the Canadian economy but also bring cultural diversity, new perspectives, and innovative ideas that enrich Canadian society. By supporting international students in their academic and professional pursuits, Canada strengthens its position as a leader in international education.
Canada’s updated work-hour policies and study permit regulations represent a forward-thinking approach to supporting international students. These changes balance economic realities with academic priorities, ensuring that students can succeed both personally and professionally. By providing students with greater flexibility in managing their finances while maintaining a focus on education, Canada demonstrates its commitment to creating an environment where international students can thrive.
Road to Future Immigration is here to help you navigate these updates with ease. Visit our website today to learn how we can assist you in achieving your goals in Canada!
