Just in: Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, has issued a significant update, increasing off-campus work hours for international students to 24 per week!
While the increase from 20 to 24 hours may look tiny, this small change allows students and employers to work three shifts per week rather than two.
New Off-Campus Work Limit: 24 hours per week!
In a daring step, Canada is increasing overseas students’ off-campus employment hours to 24 hours per week, a tiny increase from the previous 20-hour maximum. This modification will take effect in the Fall and will be permanent.
While a shift from 20 hours of off-campus work to 24 hours may appear insignificant, it essentially permits students and companies to collaborate for three shifts per week rather than two.
Many shift-based professions have a seven- or eight-hour cycle, so employers may be less likely to onboard and train new team members who can only work two shifts each week.
The increase to 24 hours of off-campus work per week moves the balance to three weekly shifts, thereby increasing employer confidence in hiring student workers and putting more money in their pockets—money that can help pay international student tuition fees in Canada.
The choice to implement this adjustment was carefully considered, taking into account issues such as normal shift lengths and research findings demonstrating the harmful impact of extended work hours on academic achievement.
According to research, longer study hours are associated with lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates.
Recognizing these concerns, Canada is committed to providing overseas students with a balance of academic excellence and financial support.
What Does This Mean for Future International Students?
For students considering starting studies in Canada, the new law permits them to work up to 24 hours per week while studying. This may seem insignificant, but it will allow you to make more money to support your studies.
Consider Ontario as an example. If you work a minimum-wage job in Ontario, this corresponds to almost $2000 in extra money for the academic year.
How does this compare to other countries?
It is typical for governments to restrict the number of hours international students can study during term time. Studies done in the United States and Canada have found a drop in academic performance when students worked more than 28 hours per week.
A recent modification for Australian overseas students allows them to work 48 hours every two weeks. In the United States, students must meet extra criteria before being allowed to work off campus, and even if they do, they are only allowed to work 20 hours per week. Similarly, international students in the UK are only permitted to work 20 hours per week during term time.
Will International Students Be Able to Work Full-Time During Breaks Under the New 24-Hour Work Limit?
Yes, the new 24-hour work limit limits the number of hours an overseas student can work during term time. During school breaks, international students can still work full-time.
Conclusion
The restrictions on off-campus employment hours are merely one part of a bigger reform strategy for the international student program. In addition to altering off-campus job hours, Canada is aggressively collaborating with provincial and territorial partners to expedite growth.
Furthermore, a recognized institutional structure has been established to reward postsecondary schools that provide special assistance to overseas students.
By implementing these improvements, Canada demonstrates its dedication to the success of the international student program and is taking immediate steps to improve it for all participants.