The good news for international students in Canada is that they can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their semester is ongoing. Immigration Minister Marc Miller confirmed this development, announcing that these regulations took effect on November 15. Before this new rule, international students in Canada could work only 20 hours per week when their classes were ongoing.
Miller also mentioned that imposing the limit of 24 hours per week enables striking the right balance between providing job opportunities to students and focusing on their studies simultaneously.
A New Study Permit is Required When Changing Institutions
He also stated that international students must apply for a new study permit when changing learning institutions. This new rule aligns with bolstering the credibility of the International Student Program.
Before this change, students could change their designated learning institutions (DLI) on the same study permit without applying for a new one. They were only required to update their IRCC account with new information.
The IRCC also stated in their press statement that DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters will now face consequences.
The new cap imposed on working hours and the prior cap apply to students only when their classes are in session. However, students can still work an indefinite number of hours on campus, during reading week or breaks when their classes aren’t happening.
AVOID RISK AND STRENGTHEN YOUR APPLICATION
Changes to Working Hours in Recent Months
International students were earlier allowed to work up to 20 hours per week off campus during their classes. However, during the pandemic, the Canadian government allowed students to work full-time (maximum of 40 hours) to address the gap in the labour market in Canada and bring relief to students affected by the higher living costs. However, this rule ended on April 30, 2024.
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