Canada Tightens Work Hour Limits for International Students

April 29, 2024—Ottawa — As Canada continues to welcome international students who significantly contribute to the nation's social, cultural, and economic landscape, recent reforms aim to safeguard the integrity of the International Student Program. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced measures to protect students from fraud and financial vulnerability while ensuring they remain focused on their primary purpose in Canada: education.

New Work Hour Policy Announced

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, declared today that the temporary policy permitting international students to work beyond 20 hours per week off-campus will conclude on April 30, 2024. Moving forward, the government plans to set the maximum at 24 hours per week starting this fall.

This change is designed to ensure that students maintain their primary focus on academic pursuits while still having the opportunity to work if needed. The adjustment harmonizes with research findings indicating that excessive work hours can detract from educational success.

Key Points of the New Policy:

• Work Limit: Students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions.
• Flexibility During Breaks: Unlimited work hours remain permissible during scheduled academic breaks, such as the summer session.

Framework for Recognized Institutions

In conjunction with the new work policy, the IRCC is developing a Recognized Institutions Framework. This initiative aims to identify and reward post-secondary institutions that uphold high standards in the selection, support, and retention of international students. By setting these benchmarks, the government seeks to ensure robust protections against financial vulnerabilities and uphold the overarching integrity of the International Student Program.

Further details regarding these initiatives will be released in due course. The Canadian government remains committed to balancing the needs of international students with rigorous academic standards, ensuring that Canada remains a top destination for international education.

As Canada navigates these changes, the emphasis remains on creating a supportive and effective environment for international students, enabling them to thrive academically and professionally during their time in the country.