In a move aimed at promoting the International Student Program in Canada, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller has announced changes to the working hours and study permit requirements for foreign nationals with study permits.
Gatekeepers News reports that international students in Canada, according to Miller’s announcement on November 15, 2024, can now seek off-campus employment for up to 24 hours a week.
This is a four-hour increase from the previous 20-hour limit. However, the new 24-hour cap applies only to off-campus work during non-academic sessions.
“By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the International Student Program. International students should have a positive, successful experience in Canada, and the important changes made today will help with that,” Miller said.
“To work off campus without a work permit, international students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec, that lasts at least six months and leads to a degree, diploma or certificate.
“International students who are eligible to work off campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as the summer break between school years or the winter break between semesters.
“Twice a year, designated learning institutions are expected to submit a report to IRCC that indicates whether each study permit holder associated with their school has remained enrolled. Students who are no longer enrolled can be investigated and face enforcement action, as they may be breaking their study permit conditions.”
