Canada Increases Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students

The Canadian government has announced that starting in September 2024, international students will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours. This change comes as the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week is set to expire on April 30, 2024.

International students on Prince Edward Island have welcomed the increase in work hours, saying it will provide them with more opportunities to earn money and gain valuable work experience. However, student groups have voiced apprehensions that the additional hours may not be sufficient to cover the rising cost of living in Canada.

Why this matters: The increase in off-campus work hours for international students has broader implications for Canada's economy and immigration policies. As the country seeks to attract and retain skilled workers, providing more flexibility for international students to work and gain experience could help bolster Canada's workforce and support its long-term economic goals.

The decision to increase the work hours limit is based on research indicating that students who work more than 28 hours per week experience a significant decline in academic performance. The government aims to strike a balance between allowing students to work and ensuring that their studies remain the primary focus.

In addition to the changes in work hours, the Canadian government has also announced that starting May 15, 2024, international students enrolled in college programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing arrangements will not qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) upon graduation.

The increase in off-campus work hours aligns with policies in other countries that welcome international students, such as Australia and the United States. By benchmarking against international best practices, Canada seeks to enhance the overall student experience and reinforce its position as a preferred destination for higher education.

While the increase in work hours is a step in the right direction, student groups on Prince Edward Island emphasize that many jobs available to international students are minimum wage positions, which may not provide sufficient income to cover the additional hours worked. They argue that further support and resources are needed to address the financial challenges faced by international students in the region.

The Canadian government has stated that the changes to off-campus work hours and post-graduation work permit eligibility aim to protect the integrity of the international student program and ensure that students prioritize their academic commitments. The ongoing development of the Recognized Institutions Framework underscores the government's commitment to upholding rigorous standards for selecting, supporting, and retaining international students in Canada.

Key Takeaways

• Canada increases off-campus work hours for international students to 24 hrs/week from 20 hrs.
• The change aims to attract and retain skilled workers, supporting Canada's economic goals.
• International students in Prince Edward Island welcome the increase but seek more financial support.
• Canada tightens rules for post-graduation work permits for certain college programs.
• The changes aim to protect the integrity of the international student program and academic focus.