In order to strike a balance between academic focus and employment opportunities, Canada is implementing new regulations for international students’ off-campus work hours. The policy change, announced by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, will see the end of the temporary allowance for students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus on April 30, 2024. Instead, starting this fall, students will be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week.
In his statement, Miller emphasized that international students in Canada are primarily expected to study and that the policy change aims to preserve the integrity of the student program. He also highlighted that students with scheduled academic breaks can continue working unlimited hours during the summer session.
The Government of Canada emphasized in a press statement that students coming to Canada must prioritize their studies. The new policy, which permits students to work up to 24 hours per week, ensures that they focus primarily on their education while still having the option to work if necessary. The policy changes were implemented after considering student needs, international policies, and research findings that demonstrate how academic performance declines as students work more hours while studying.
The new regulations aim to strike an appropriate balance between academics and work life, allowing students to supplement their finances or gain work experience without compromising their academic progress. This policy update demonstrates the Canadian government’s commitment to supporting international students’ success while maintaining the integrity of the student visa program.
