COVID-19 Temporary Work Policy to End April 30, 2024
A news release from the Government of Canada reminds Canadian international students that from April 30, 2024 forward they will not be allowed to work greater than 20 hours per week off-campus. This regulation was waived during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow international students to assist with Canadian labour shortages, but has now come to an end.
New Work Policy Proposed for September 2024
However, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship announced that this September, the government is expecting to make a permanent change to this regulation to allow students to work a maximum of 24 hours per week off campus. These regulations have been changed to ensure that international students are prioritizing their studies, while still being able to manage a job. Students who have a scheduled academic break during the summer session, or who are not currently enrolled in class can maintain their current schedule, working unlimited hours.
The Minister stated that other similar countries limit international students’ work hours, and that he wanted to ensure that students in the international student program were there to study, rather than to work. The government will continue to create a new Recognized Institutions Framework for postsecondary institutions who maintain high standards when accepting and retaining international students to protect these students from excess financial strain.
Sources: Canada regulations for off-campus work hours
Disclaimer: The information is obtained directly from the Government of Canada website. The information has been gathered as accurately as possible at the time of writing (April 29, 2024), but we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check their official website and digital channels.
