Canada has raised the maximum work hours for eligible international students during academic terms from 20 to 24 hours per week. This change is designed to offer students more chances to gain work experience while still prioritizing their studies.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, highlighted the aim of the policy shift, explaining that it provides students with more flexibility to manage their time and gain valuable practical experience.
This decision follows Miller’s comments in October 2022, where he underscored the need for work experience for international students. At the time, he said: “As the economy grows faster than employers can hire, Canada must explore all options to build the necessary skills and workforce to support our growth. Immigration will play a key role in addressing our labor shortage. Allowing international students to work more during their studies will help meet urgent demands across various sectors while offering students valuable Canadian work experience and contributing to both short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”
Key Changes to the International Student Program:
Full-Time Work During Breaks: International students can now work full-time during academic breaks such as summer and winter holidays, helping to increase their income while not disrupting their studies.
Increased Work Hours: The new regulations allow students to work up to 24 hours per week during academic terms, creating more job opportunities while ensuring they can maintain a balanced study schedule.
Stronger Reporting Requirements: Designated Educational Institutions (DLIs) must now submit biannual reports to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), confirming students’ enrollment and academic progress to ensure compliance with study permit conditions.
Approval for Transfers: International students must now seek approval before transferring to a different DLI, ensuring that they continue to meet permit requirements and maintain academic standards.
Provisions for Quebec Students: In Quebec, eligible international students can work off-campus without needing a separate work permit, as long as they meet specific criteria, such as enrolling full-time in recognized programs of at least six months in length.
These changes are intended to provide more opportunities for international students while addressing labor shortages in key sectors, striking a balance between work experience and academic success.
