Canada continues to strengthen its support for international students with a new policy that increases the maximum allowable work hours during the academic term. Effective November 8, 2024, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week, up from the previous limit of 20 hours.

This change is designed to provide students with more flexibility to balance part-time employment alongside their studies, paving the way for enhanced work experience and financial independence while pursuing their education in Canada.

What Does the New Policy Entail?

Under the updated regulation:

• During Academic Terms: Students can work up to 24 hours per week.
• During Scheduled Breaks: Students may work full-time, provided they remain enrolled as full-time students before and after the break.

This policy aligns with Canada’s broader effort to improve the international student experience, equipping them with practical skills while helping to ease financial pressures.

Eligibility for Off-Campus Work

Not every international student qualifies for off-campus work. To be eligible:

1. Students must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a program lasting at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. They must hold a valid study permit with conditions permitting off-campus work.
3. Students must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to start working legally in Canada.

Who is excluded?

• Students in language programs, preparatory courses, or general interest studies are not eligible.
• Those with study permits restricting off-campus work are also ineligible.

Steps to Start Working

If you’re an international student preparing to work in Canada, here’s a checklist to guide you:

1. Confirm Work Eligibility: Ensure your study permit specifies off-campus work conditions. If not, you can request an amendment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at no cost.
2. Apply for a SIN: The SIN is mandatory for all types of employment in Canada.
3. Track Your Hours: Adhere to the 24-hour weekly limit during academic terms and avoid any violations.

Compliance is Crucial

Non-compliance with the new rules can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Losing student status.
• Becoming ineligible for future immigration benefits.
• Facing possible deportation from Canada.

To avoid these repercussions, students are urged to carefully monitor their work hours and follow all regulations.

Changes for Transfers and Graduates

The policy also introduces measures for students transitioning between institutions and those preparing to graduate:

• Transfers: Students switching from one DLI to another must apply for a new study permit before transferring.
• Graduates: Eligible students awaiting approval for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can work full-time, provided they were authorized for off-campus work during their studies.

These provisions ensure greater accountability while providing seamless transitions for international students throughout their educational journey.

A Step Towards Greater Flexibility

This change reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting its international student community, offering greater flexibility and opportunities for growth. By increasing the work hour limit, students can better integrate into Canadian society, gaining invaluable experience while managing their academic commitments.

If you’re an international student in Canada, take advantage of this new regulation to enhance your skills and financial stability—responsibly. Canada remains a top destination for quality education and diverse opportunities, and policies like this further solidify its reputation as a student-friendly country.

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Canada continues to strengthen its support for international students with a new policy that increases the maximum allowable work hours during the academic term. Effective November 8, 2024, international students can now work up to 24 hours per week, up from the previous limit of 20 hours.

This change is designed to provide students with more flexibility to balance part-time employment alongside their studies, paving the way for enhanced work experience and financial independence while pursuing their education in Canada.

What Does the New Policy Entail?

Under the updated regulation:

• During Academic Terms: Students can work up to 24 hours per week.
• During Scheduled Breaks: Students may work full-time, provided they remain enrolled as full-time students before and after the break.

This policy aligns with Canada’s broader effort to improve the international student experience, equipping them with practical skills while helping to ease financial pressures.

Eligibility for Off-Campus Work

Not every international student qualifies for off-campus work. To be eligible:

1. Students must be enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in a program lasting at least six months that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
2. They must hold a valid study permit with conditions permitting off-campus work.
3. Students must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to start working legally in Canada.

Who is excluded?

• Students in language programs, preparatory courses, or general interest studies are not eligible.
• Those with study permits restricting off-campus work are also ineligible.

Steps to Start Working

If you’re an international student preparing to work in Canada, here’s a checklist to guide you:

1. Confirm Work Eligibility: Ensure your study permit specifies off-campus work conditions. If not, you can request an amendment from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at no cost.
2. Apply for a SIN: The SIN is mandatory for all types of employment in Canada.
3. Track Your Hours: Adhere to the 24-hour weekly limit during academic terms and avoid any violations.

Compliance is Crucial

Non-compliance with the new rules can lead to serious consequences, such as:

• Losing student status.
• Becoming ineligible for future immigration benefits.
• Facing possible deportation from Canada.

To avoid these repercussions, students are urged to carefully monitor their work hours and follow all regulations.

Changes for Transfers and Graduates

The policy also introduces measures for students transitioning between institutions and those preparing to graduate:

• Transfers: Students switching from one DLI to another must apply for a new study permit before transferring.
• Graduates: Eligible students awaiting approval for their Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) can work full-time, provided they were authorized for off-campus work during their studies.

These provisions ensure greater accountability while providing seamless transitions for international students throughout their educational journey.

A Step Towards Greater Flexibility

This change reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting its international student community, offering greater flexibility and opportunities for growth. By increasing the work hour limit, students can better integrate into Canadian society, gaining invaluable experience while managing their academic commitments.

If you’re an international student in Canada, take advantage of this new regulation to enhance your skills and financial stability—responsibly. Canada remains a top destination for quality education and diverse opportunities, and policies like this further solidify its reputation as a student-friendly country.