Barrie 
Canada is set to implement new regulations for international students concerning their off-campus work hours, announced Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship today.
The temporary policy that previously allowed students to work more than 20 hours per week will expire on April 30, 2024. Following this, the government plans to permit international students to work up to 24 hours per week during the academic term starting this fall.
The federal government says the decision aligns with the government’s goal of ensuring international students remain focused primarily on their studies while still having the opportunity to work. The policy adjustment aims to balance the need for work with academic success, informed by research indicating that working over 28 hours significantly harms students’ academic performance.
Over the summer, international students on a scheduled academic break can continue to work unlimited hours.
Marc Miller said in a news release, “Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.”
As announced earlier, new regulations starting May 15, 2024, will render international students enrolled in programs under public-private curriculum licensing arrangements ineligible for post-graduation work permits upon graduation. However, those already enrolled in such programs before this date will retain their eligibility for the permit, contingent on meeting all other requirements.
In December 2023, the government raised the cost-of-living threshold for study permit approvals to $20,635, reducing their dependency on employment.
