Janice Lozano
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the lives of international students, causing interruptions to their studies, loss of employment, and social isolation. To address these challenges, governments and educational institutions have implemented various support measures. While international students are typically restricted in the number of working hours they are permitted, with most student visa conditions prohibiting full-time work during the semester, the pandemic has led to some exceptions and relaxations in these regulations. During the initial stages of the pandemic, international students in Canada were allowed to work unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours off-campus if they had to drop to part-time studies or take a break due to COVID-19. Additionally, those providing essential services in Quebec were temporarily permitted to work more than 20 hours per week until August 2020. In Australia, the government relaxed restrictions for international students employed in select supermarkets and nursing, allowing employers to offer extended hours. These adjustments aimed to provide financial relief to international students facing economic hardships during the pandemic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| International students working full-time during COVID | In Australia, international students were prohibited from working full-time during the semester. However, the Australian government relaxed restrictions for those employed by select supermarkets and enrolled in nursing, allowing them to work more than 20 hours per week. |
| In Canada, international students were generally allowed to work 20 hours per week off-campus during the academic term and full-time during holidays and scheduled breaks. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students were not "in class," but this was not interpreted as a scheduled break, so the 20-hour weekly limit still applied. | |
| International students in Canada providing essential services were temporarily allowed to work more than 20 hours per week until August 2020. | |
| Work permits | In Canada, international students usually need to maintain full-time status each term to be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). However, during COVID-19, exceptions were made for students who had to drop to part-time or take a break due to the pandemic. |
| Due to COVID-19, a temporary policy allowed students to apply for another open work permit until July 27, 2021. As of August 2022, former international students with a PGWP expiring between September 20, 2021, and December 31, 2022, could qualify for an additional 18-month open work permit. | |
| Financial support | The Canadian government offered the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to international students who made at least $5,000 the previous year but lost income due to COVID-19. |
| Accommodation | The Australian government introduced a 6-month moratorium on evictions for rental arrears if students faced financial hardship due to COVID-19. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students in Canada can work 20 hours a week during the academic term
- International students in Canada can work full-time off-campus during holidays and scheduled breaks
- International students in Canada can work unlimited hours on campus if they had to drop to part-time studies due to COVID-19
- International students in Australia lost employment during COVID lockdowns
- International students in Australia can work more hours if employed by select supermarkets or enrolled in nursing
International students in Canada can work 20 hours a week during the academic term
International students in Canada have historically been allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session. This limit was increased to allow international students to work full-time hours during the COVID-19 pandemic if they were deemed essential workers. This change was implemented to help international students earn more income during the pandemic and to ease the staffing crunch in essential sectors. The measure was in place until August 31, 2020, and has not been reinstated. Therefore, as of November 8, 2024, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus without a work permit.
It is important to note that international students in Canada must be cautious about their work hours. Working more than 24 hours per week is considered a violation of their study permit conditions, and they may lose their student status and legal status in Canada. Students must also ensure that they meet the other requirements for working while studying. For example, they must be full-time students at a designated learning institution and cannot work before their studies begin.
To determine if they meet the criteria for working full-time hours, international students in Canada should refer their employers to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions during the COVID-19 outbreak. This guide outlines the diverse fields that are considered essential, such as health, water, food, energy, and information technology.
In summary, while international students in Canada were temporarily allowed to work full-time hours during the COVID-19 pandemic if they were essential workers, the current rule as of November 8, 2024, allows them to work up to 24 hours per week without a work permit. Students must be mindful of their work hours to maintain compliance with their study permit conditions.
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International students in Canada can work full-time off-campus during holidays and scheduled breaks
International students in Canada are typically allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week during the regular academic year. However, during scheduled breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, spring break, or reading week, they are permitted to work full-time. This flexibility allows international students to take advantage of periods when they are not engaged in academic pursuits to earn additional income.
To work off-campus in Canada, international students must meet specific eligibility criteria. Firstly, they must have a valid study permit that allows for off-campus employment. Secondly, they should confirm their eligibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, specifically paragraph 186(v), which outlines the criteria for working during breaks. Additionally, students must maintain their full-time student status both before and after the break to be eligible for unlimited work hours during the break.
It is important to note that international students must adhere to provincial laws regarding overtime pay and time between shifts. While there is no set number of hours that constitutes full-time work, employers must comply with these laws. Furthermore, students should be mindful of their study permit conditions, as working more than 24 hours per week may violate those conditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, international students in Canada faced challenges due to the impact of lockdowns and restrictions on employment. The pandemic highlighted the need for support and flexibility in policies affecting international students, including their work opportunities.
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International students in Canada can work unlimited hours on campus if they had to drop to part-time studies due to COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international students in Canada who were previously enrolled full-time and had to transition to part-time studies or take a break in their studies due to the pandemic are permitted to work unlimited hours on campus. This exception also allows students to work up to 20 hours per week off-campus. Typically, international students in Canada are restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week while school is in session and can only work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as winter or summer holidays.
This change in policy was implemented to assist international students who faced financial hardship due to the pandemic. International students working in essential services, such as healthcare, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other goods, were permitted to work above 20 hours per week while school was in session. This change was initially in place until August 31, 2020, and may have been extended.
It is important to note that international students must still hold a valid study permit or have applied for an extension before their old permit expires to be eligible for this exception. Additionally, students intending to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) should be aware that failing to maintain full-time status during the pandemic will not affect their PGWP eligibility.
Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted changes to work restrictions for international students in Canada, allowing those facing part-time studies or breaks in their education to work unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off-campus.
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International students in Australia lost employment during COVID lockdowns
International students in Australia experienced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including job losses and feelings of abandonment by the Australian government. The pandemic highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by international students, who are often reliant on part-time work to support themselves financially.
In Australia, international students were already facing concerns around education quality, study experience, safety, wellbeing, and exposure to exploitative employment conditions, racism, and discrimination prior to the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated these issues, with many students losing their jobs as businesses in the retail and hospitality industries were severely affected or forced to close. This resulted in a notable dip in employment rates for international students during the first major COVID lockdown, as seen in ABS survey results.
The Australian government's initial pandemic response further contributed to the challenges faced by international students. The government excluded temporary migrants, including international students, from fiscal stimulus packages, and the government's recommendation for students to return home created feelings of abandonment and uncertainty. The exclusion from stimulus packages was particularly concerning given that international students pay income tax and contribute significantly to Australia's economy and community.
To support international students during the pandemic, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) temporarily relaxed international student visa rules. Enrolled student nurses were permitted to work in the health sector, and international students employed in major supermarkets or aged care homes were allowed to work more than 40 hours a fortnight without risking visa cancellation. However, this relaxation ended on May 1, 2020, as the economic crisis deepened and newly unemployed Australians took priority for available jobs.
The pandemic's impact on international student enrolments in Australia was significant. The first quarter of 2020 saw a drop in higher education international student numbers, with enrolments in August 2020 being four per cent lower than in 2019. This downward trend continued, reflecting the challenges posed by border restrictions and the shift to online learning. The Australian government's response to support international students during the COVID-19 pandemic was largely independent of the federal government, with state and territory governments amassing funds for COVID-19-related initiatives.
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International students in Australia can work more hours if employed by select supermarkets or enrolled in nursing
International students in Australia have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many have lost their jobs, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. In response, the Australian government has relaxed work restrictions for international students employed by select supermarkets and those enrolled in nursing courses. This means that employers in these sectors can offer more hours to international students.
International students in Australia are typically allowed to work up to 48 hours every fortnight during term time and unlimited hours during holiday breaks. However, this limit varies depending on the student's visa type and course of study. For example, international students enrolled in nursing courses with a valid student visa can work up to 40 hours every fortnight during the academic semester and full-time during holidays.
It is important for international students to understand their work rights and visa conditions before starting employment. They can seek information from their education providers, the Australian Government's Study Australia website, and the Fair Work Ombudsman. The Fair Work Ombudsman helps regulate Australian workplaces and ensures that all employees receive their minimum entitlements, regardless of their migration status. International students can contact them for free advice and assistance without fear of their visa being cancelled.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional support measures were introduced for international students in Australia. These included a 6-month moratorium on evictions for rental arrears if students experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic. Students were also encouraged to stay in touch with friends and family to maintain their mental health and combat feelings of isolation.
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Frequently asked questions
International students are typically not allowed to work full-time during term time, and the COVID-19 pandemic has not changed this. However, international students in Canada who had to drop to part-time studies or take a break in studies due to COVID-19 could work in Canada with unlimited hours on campus and up to 20 hours per week off-campus.
Many international students lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic due to businesses closing down. International students in Canada became eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) if they made at least $5,000 the previous year and lost their income due to COVID-19.
The Australian Government introduced a 6-month moratorium on evictions on rental arrears if students experienced financial hardship or disadvantage due to COVID-19. Students in Canada could also benefit from ramped-up regulations to prevent landlords from evicting tenants during this time.
International students wishing to return home should consider whether their home country will allow them to enter, whether they will be able to re-enter their host country in the future, and how this may affect their eligibility to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
It is important for international students to stay in touch with friends and family by phone, email, or social media to maintain their mental health. Video chat can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, with apps such as Zoom and Google Hangouts offering free video calls.
