Off-Campus Work for International Students: an increase to 24 Hours per week
In a significant update from IRCC released on April 29, 2024, the Honourable Marc Miller announced an adjustment to the off-campus work hours for international students. Starting Fall 2024, students will be permitted to work up to 24 hours per week during their studies. This update is part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the International Student Program while ensuring students remain shielded from fraud and financial vulnerability.
The Off-Campus Work for International Students before May 1, 2024
Before COVID students were permitted to work up to 20 hours per week during the term. On November 15, 2022, IRCC temporarily allowed international students to work for more than 20 hours of off-campus work per week during their studies. The policy was later extended until April 30, 2024, further allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus.
Two years later, on April 30, 2024, the temporary policy came to an end, and as was announced by the Minister - the temporary policy will not be extended:
“Students who come to Canada must be here to study.”
Starting this fall (we’re yet to know the exact date) IRCC will implement a permanent change to the number of hours international students are permitted to work off-campus during their studies. The standard 20-hour limit will see an increase to a 24-hour limit. But again, this will happen later in 2024!
IMPORTANT! As of May 1, 2024, all international students must ensure they don’t work more than 20 hours per week off campus during their studies. Students who have a scheduled academic break can continue working unlimited hours.
Why there is a limit to how long international students can work off-campus?
Setting the limit at 24 hours is intended to strike a balance, allowing students to earn a necessary income without compromising their academic success. Minister Miller noted that this balanced approach aims to ensure that students' primary focus remains on their studies while providing adequate flexibility to support themselves financially:
“…allowing students to work up to 24 hours per week will ensure they focus primarily on their studies, while having the option to work, if necessary.”
Does this change in how long international students can work off-campus really makes any difference?
This change is not just a numerical increase — it's a strategic adjustment designed to better align with the realities of shift-based work environments, potentially enabling students to take on more shifts during the week. This slight increase can also translate into additional earnings, which can be crucial in managing the high costs of international education in Canada.
Key takeaways from this update to how long can international students work in Canada
In conclusion, the recent announcement by IRCC, led by the Honourable Marc Miller, to extend the permissible off-campus work hours for international students from 20 to 24 hours weekly may appear as a minor tweak, but it holds significant implications. This carefully considered decision acknowledges the financial pressures international students face while emphasizing the importance of maintaining their focus on academic achievements. The increase to 24 hours allows students more flexibility to manage work and study, potentially leading to better job opportunities that align with their schedules. However, it is crucial for students to heed this limit strictly. Working beyond the allowed hours can risk their standing within the program and their broader educational objectives. This policy change, effective in Fall 2024, necessitates careful planning and discipline from students, ensuring they maximize this opportunity without jeopardizing their primary goal of studying in Canada. As this new regulation takes hold, its real-world impact on students' lives and academic success will be an important measure of its effectiveness.
Continue Reading
About the author:
Igor Kyryliuk
Canadian Immigration Lawyer, LLM
