Savanna Hoffman
International students in Canada have traditionally been allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus during regular school terms or semesters. However, in response to the economic and labour challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government announced a temporary policy in April 2022, allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week. This policy came to an end on April 30, 2024, and international students are once again limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus during regular academic sessions. Starting in September 2024, the government will implement a permanent change to increase the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week. It is important to note that international students can work unlimited hours on-campus and off-campus during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current cap on work hours for international students in Canada | 20 hours per week |
| New work hours limit for international students in Canada | More than 20 hours per week |
| Effective date of new rule | 15 November 2022 |
| End date of new rule | 31 December 2023 |
| Reason for change | To address Canada's labour shortage |
| Number of international students in Canada in 2021 | Over 620,000 |
| Number of study permit applications processed by Canada in 2022 | 452,000+ |
| Number of international students who can benefit from the new rule | Over 500,000 |
| Popular pathway for international students to gain permanent residence in Canada | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program |
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What You'll Learn
International students in Canada can work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week
The Canadian government has temporarily relaxed the restriction on the maximum number of off-campus work hours for international students. This decision is in response to the country's labour shortage, with nearly one million job vacancies reported in the second quarter of 2022. The change will take effect from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, and will apply to international students with off-campus work authorization on their study permits.
This temporary measure will provide international students with greater flexibility in terms of working hours and income, which can help alleviate financial concerns. However, it is important for students to maintain a balance between their work and studies to avoid burnout and ensure they are meeting their educational goals.
In addition to the off-campus work authorization, international students in Canada can also take advantage of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program offered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The PGWP enables eligible students to obtain an open work permit with a validity period corresponding to the length of their educational program, up to a maximum of three years. This allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can enhance their eligibility for economic class immigration programs.
The Canadian government's efforts to address the labour shortage and support international students demonstrate the country's recognition of the contributions made by this population. International students not only enrich the academic and cultural landscape of Canada but also play a vital role in addressing labour market needs and driving economic growth.
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The limit is lifted during scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays
International students in Canada are usually allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week. However, this limit is lifted during scheduled breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays. This means that international students can work more than 20 hours per week during these periods.
The policy of lifting the work-hour limit during scheduled breaks aims to help international students support themselves financially while also ensuring they remain focused on their studies. This policy also helps address labour shortages in Canada. In 2021, Canada experienced a record influx of international students, with over 620,000 foreign students, a number that has tripled over the past two decades. This trend has continued, with Canada processing more than 452,000 study permit applications between January and August of 2022, a 23% increase from the same period in 2021.
The Canadian government has recognised the contribution of international students to the country's economy and workforce. To facilitate their integration, the government offers various measures, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme, which enables eligible international students to obtain an open work permit with a validity period corresponding to their educational program's length, up to a maximum of three years. This allows foreign nationals to gain valuable Canadian work experience and become eligible for economic class immigration programs, facilitating their transition to permanent residence.
While the lifted work-hour limit during breaks provides financial relief to international students, it is important to maintain a balance between work and studies. Some international students in Canada have expressed concerns about the pressure to work excessive hours, potentially impacting their academic performance and well-being. It is crucial for students to prioritise self-care and allocate time for rest to avoid burnout.
The Canadian government's measures to support international students and facilitate their transition to permanent residence demonstrate a recognition of the valuable contributions these individuals make to the country's social, cultural, and economic landscape. By providing opportunities for international students to work and gain Canadian work experience, Canada fosters a diverse and dynamic workforce that contributes to the country's overall prosperity.
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Canada's labour shortage
Canada is facing a labour shortage, with nearly one million job vacancies. The country's unemployment rate is at a historic low, dropping to 5.2% in September 2022, down from 5.4% previously. The Canadian government has responded to this shortage by easing restrictions on international students' working hours.
Ordinarily, international students in Canada are restricted to working off-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week. This policy aims to ensure that students focus on their studies while also providing an opportunity for financial support. However, facing a significant labour shortage, the government has temporarily lifted this restriction, allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week. This measure is expected to help over 500,000 eligible international students in Canada to work additional hours and support themselves financially.
International students have become an important source of long-term residents for Canada. The country has set ambitious immigration targets, relying on graduates from international educational programs to achieve these goals. In 2021, Canada welcomed over 620,000 international students, a number that has tripled in the last two decades. Many of these students intend to remain in Canada as permanent residents after completing their studies.
To facilitate this transition, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers various measures, including the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This permit enables international students to work for any employer in Canada for up to three years after graduation. The PGWP helps students gain valuable Canadian work experience, improving their chances of becoming permanent residents through economic class immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
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International students' pressure to work and study
International students face a variety of pressures when it comes to balancing work and studies. Firstly, there is the financial pressure of studying abroad, which can be significant. Many international students have limited financial resources and may need to work part-time or full-time to support themselves while studying. This can be challenging, as they must balance the demands of their academic workload with the need to earn an income. In addition, international students often face cultural and language barriers that can impact their ability to secure employment. They may also need to navigate different work cultures and practices in their host country, which can be a learning curve.
Secondly, international students often experience high expectations and pressure to succeed academically. They may feel the weight of their family's and their own financial investments in their education, leading to a fear of failure or disappointment. This pressure can be intensified by the challenges of studying in an unfamiliar education system, with different teaching styles and assessment methods. Navigating these new academic demands while adapting to a new cultural environment can be demanding.
Thirdly, loneliness and homesickness are common among international students, which can impact their motivation and ability to focus on their studies and work. Leaving behind their support network of family and friends and adapting to a new country can be emotionally challenging. Additionally, international students may face cultural adjustment issues, including acculturation stress due to cultural differences. They have to adapt to new social norms, customs, and behaviours, which can be demanding, especially when combined with academic and work commitments.
Lastly, international students may face unique challenges in the job market, both during and after their studies. They may need to compete with local students for limited job opportunities and may experience discrimination or bias. Gaining relevant work experience and building a professional network in a foreign country can be difficult. However, some countries like Canada have introduced initiatives to retain international students as long-term residents, recognising their value in addressing labour shortages and contributing to the economy. For instance, Canada has temporarily lifted the 20-hour work restriction for international students during the COVID-19 epidemic, allowing them to work more hours to support themselves financially and gain valuable Canadian work experience.
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Immigration Minister Sean Fraser's announcement
On October 7, 2022, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser announced that Canada would temporarily relax restrictions on the number of hours international students can work off-campus. This decision was made in response to the country's nearly one million job vacancies and aims to address Canada's worst labour shortage in history.
Previously, international students in Canada were limited to working off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during their studies. This limit was lifted during scheduled breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays. The new policy will allow over 500,000 eligible international students in Canada to work more than 20 hours per week, helping them to support themselves financially while also ensuring they remain focused on their studies.
Minister Fraser's announcement highlighted that Canada had already processed more than 452,000 study permit applications between January and August of 2022, a 23% increase from the same period in 2021. This record number of study permits reflects the growing interest of international students in remaining in Canada as permanent residents upon completing their studies.
In addition to addressing the labour shortage, the Canadian government's decision to relax work restrictions for international students also aligns with its efforts to facilitate the transition from temporary residence to permanent residence for foreign nationals. In 2021, the government introduced a Temporary Residence to Permanent Residence (TR2PR) program, enabling approximately 90,000 temporary residents to apply for immigration. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has also tasked Minister Fraser with identifying additional strategies for international students and temporary foreign workers to gain permanent residence through Express Entry.
Through these initiatives, Canada is not only addressing its immediate labour market needs but also recognising the long-term contributions of international students and graduates to the country's social and economic fabric.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, as of November 15, 2022, international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week. This temporary measure is in response to Canada's labour shortage and will be in effect until the end of 2023.
International students in Canada are usually limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus during term time. This limit is lifted during scheduled breaks, such as the summer and winter holidays.
This measure will help address Canada's labour shortage, with nearly 1 million job vacancies reported in the second quarter of 2022. It will also allow over 500,000 international students in Canada to work more hours and better support themselves financially. Additionally, it may provide more flexibility for employers to hire international students.
