In a significant policy shift aimed at empowering international students, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allowed eligible students to work up to 24 hours a week off-campus during academic terms. There is an increase of four hours from the previous limit of 20 hours, and it will offer increased flexibility to students in balancing their financial and academic responsibilities. Here we take a look at how this regulation will benefit students and enhance their study-abroad experience. 

Why This Regulation Matters!

The updated rule shows Canada’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its diverse community of international students. The Canadian government is aware of the financial pressures faced by students. Extending work hours will integrate Canadian work experience alongside their studies.

More working hours mean students can earn more to support their tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying abroad. That said, it does not overrule the financial fulfilment that a student has to show when applying for a Canada study visa. You should not portray in any way that your education in Canada is dependent on work permission that will be given to you while studying there. Such projection means that you do not have sufficient funds and the study visa may not be granted.

The extended work hours should be used to gain practical experience while studying. It should be utilised by students as a means to strengthen their resumes, enhance their employability, and gain a competitive edge in both the Canadian and global job markets. The flexibility to work part-time, take up remote opportunities with Canadian employers, or combine multiple roles within the permitted 24 hours will enable students to improve their employability in the job market.

Some Rules for Working 24 Hours Per Week

Students can work on multiple jobs provided the total working hours do not exceed 24 hours per week during the academic term. One can take up remote assignments, however, the employer needs to be Canadian. Students who are waiting for a study permit extension can work, provided they had applied for the extension before the expiry of the original permit. 

Those pursuing post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training programmes, or vocational training at the secondary level in Quebec are also eligible for work extension 

Students enrolled in language courses such as French as a Second Language (FSL) or English as a Second Language (ESL) will not be eligible for off-campus work. This facility will not be available to students who are in general interest or who are in preparatory programmes. Students on leave or between institutions without active enrollment and in case their study permits explicitly prohibit off-campus work, may not enjoy this facility. You can talk to immigration consultants in Chandigarh to learn more about being eligible for increased work hours.

Preparing to Work for More Hours

Eligible international students must follow certain steps to take advantage of the new regulation. Check your permit if it allows you to work off-campus. In case this facility is not available you can ask for an amendment. Next is to obtain a social insurance number, without which you will not be able to work off-campus in Canada. One needs to present a valid study permit along with appropriate work conditions to have an SIN. Once you move ahead of these steps, you can work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. 

The rule certainly benefits international students, however, one should avoid certain pitfalls. In case a student is not within the work conditions, this rule can work against them, including they may lose their student status or become ineligible for future immigration programmes. Although Canada is thinking of the best interest of international students, it expects well-behaved students in return. As an international student, you should maintain accurate records of working hours. In case you have any confusion here, you should talk to a legal advisor or your overseas education consultants in Chandigarh.

Takeaway

Canada’s decision to allow international students to work more per week off-campus reaffirms its position as a top destination for higher education. This regulation will support students in achieving their academic goals and will also give them financial independence and professional growth.