In a major development for international students, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, announced that starting November 8, 2024, eligible international students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms. This update is a significant increase from the previous 20-hour cap and promises greater flexibility for students to gain work experience and financial independence.
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What Does the Change Mean for International Students?
This regulation aims to offer international students more opportunities for employment without jeopardizing their academic progress. By increasing the weekly work limit to 24 hours, students can balance their studies while earning additional income to support themselves during their time in Canada.
Key aspects of this new policy include:
- Increased Work Hours: Students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during regular academic terms, up from the prior limit of 20 hours.
- More Work Experience: This change allows students to gain more practical work experience, which can be a significant advantage when seeking employment after graduation.
Eligibility to Work Off Campus
Not all international students are automatically eligible to work off campus. Specific criteria must be met, which include:
- Full-Time Enrollment at a DLI: Students must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Eligible Programs: Only students in post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programs qualify. In Quebec, secondary-level vocational training students are also eligible.
- Program Duration: The program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Valid Study Permit: The study permit must state that off-campus work is allowed.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Students must obtain a SIN to be eligible for employment in Canada.
Who is Not Eligible?
Certain restrictions apply, and some international students cannot work off campus:
- Language or General Interest Programs: Students enrolled in English or French as a Second Language (ESL/FSL) programs, general interest courses, or preparatory courses are ineligible.
- Prohibitive Conditions on Study Permits: If a study permit specifically forbids off-campus work, the student cannot be employed.
- Inactive Enrollment: Students who are on authorized leave or between educational institutions cannot work off campus until active enrollment resumes.
Steps for Students to Start Working Off Campus
For international students eager to take advantage of this new rule, the following steps are crucial:
- Check Study Permit Conditions
Ensure your study permit includes conditions that explicitly allow off-campus work. If it does not, you can apply for an amendment to have these conditions added, free of charge. - Obtain a SIN
A Social Insurance Number (SIN) is necessary to work in Canada. To apply, present a valid study permit that allows off-campus work. - Track Working Hours
Adhering to the work-hour limits is essential:- Academic Terms: Work up to 24 hours per week.
- Scheduled Breaks: Work full-time, provided you are a full-time student before and after the break.
Failure to comply with these work conditions can result in severe consequences, including loss of student status, ineligibility for future immigration programs, or even removal from Canada.
Flexibility for Self-Employed Students
Self-employed students must also observe the 24-hour weekly limit. This includes time spent earning commissions, wages, or offering services.
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Working After Graduation
Students can continue working full-time under certain conditions after graduation:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates can work full-time while awaiting a decision on their PGWP, provided they were eligible for off-campus work during their studies.
- Starting a New Program: Students transitioning to a new study program can work full-time in the interim, subject to specific conditions.
Transitioning Between Institutions
The new regulations also introduce stricter rules for transferring between educational institutions. International students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before transferring to a different DLI. This requirement aims to enhance program integrity and accountability in Canada’s International Student Program (ISP).
Additional Work Opportunities and Compliance
- Multiple Jobs: Students are allowed to work multiple part-time jobs as long as the combined hours do not exceed 24 hours per week during academic terms.
- Remote Work: Hours worked remotely for Canadian employers are included in the weekly 24-hour limit. However, remote work for employers based outside Canada does not count toward this cap.
Ensuring Compliance and Avoiding Penalties
Maintaining accurate records of work hours is crucial. Students found to exceed the 24-hour limit or work without eligibility may face serious repercussions, affecting their immigration status and future prospects in Canada.
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Canada’s Commitment to International Students
This policy change demonstrates Canada’s dedication to its diverse community of international students, providing them with more avenues to gain Canadian work experience and support their studies. Additionally, the ability to work full-time during academic breaks enables students to maximize their earnings and contribute to the local economy while adhering to immigration rules.
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