Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller has announced that starting September 2024, international students in Canada will be able to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week. This decision follows the temporary lifting of the 20-hour work limit during the COVID-19 pandemic, which expired on April 30, 2024.
Miller stressed that the primary goal of the international student program is to study, not work, but recognizing the financial difficulties many international students face, the government is committed to finding a balance between the ability to work and study.
The decision to increase the work limit to 24 hours per week is based on what the government considers reasonable, allowing students to work three full eight-hour shifts per week. Despite criticism suggesting that the increase in working hours could undermine the integrity of the study permit, the government is mindful of the need for international students to support themselves financially.
Until September 2024, international students will work no more than 20 hours per week off campus. After that date, the work restriction will be increased to 24 hours per week. However, there is no limit on the number of hours students can work when they are not participating in classes, such as during breaks or vacations.
It is also worth remembering that the criteria for off-campus employment include enrollment in a special education (DLI), participation in an appropriate training program, and having a valid social security policy.
