Canada Temporarily Lifts Off-Campus Work Hour Limit for International Students

October 7, 2022—Ottawa—In response to the ongoing challenges faced by employers in securing and retaining workers during this critical phase of economic recovery, the Government of Canada has announced a significant policy shift aimed at addressing labor shortages.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, revealed today a temporary suspension of the 20-hour-per-week cap on off-campus work for eligible post-secondary students. This change will be effective from November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023.

Key Changes to Work Hour Restrictions

• Who Benefits: International students currently in Canada with off-campus work authorization on their study permits.
• Eligibility Extension: Foreign nationals who have submitted study permit applications as of today will also benefit, pending application approval.

This policy adjustment is designed to offer international students more opportunities to gain practical work experience while supporting Canada's economic resurgence. With over 500,000 international students already in the country, this initiative highlights their potential contribution to alleviating labor shortages. Nonetheless, study permit holders are reminded to maintain a balance between their academic and work responsibilities, as those reducing their course load to part-time status will not qualify for off-campus work.

Innovative Pilot Project for Study Permit Extensions

In conjunction with this announcement, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is launching a pilot project aimed at automating the processing of study permit extensions. This pilot targets applications with a high approval rate, involving students who have previously been authorized to study in Canada. By automating this process, the IRCC anticipates faster processing times and improved service delivery. Upon successful evaluation, the project could be scaled to expedite more complex application handling.

Broader Initiatives to Support International Students

The announcement forms part of a broader suite of initiatives designed to enhance the experience of international students and recent graduates in Canada, including:

• Remote Study Transition: A grace period for students engaged in online studies from abroad.
• Post-Graduation Work Permits: An option for graduates with expired or near-expiring work permits to obtain an additional 18-month open work permit.

These measures are set against a backdrop of unprecedented global interest in Canadian immigration, compelling the IRCC to continually enhance its processing capabilities. The department remains committed to reducing wait times, cutting down application backlogs, and elevating the overall client service experience.

As Canada navigates the post-pandemic landscape, these strategic changes underscore the pivotal role that international students play in both academic and economic spheres. The temporary lifting of work hour restrictions is not merely a response to current labor demands but a testament to Canada's commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic workforce.