In April 2024, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed plans to raise the limit on off-campus work hours for international students to 24 hours per week starting this fall.
Key details have yet to be disclosed, leaving students, educational institutions, and employers uncertain about the changes.
September marks the start of both the fall season in Canada and the beginning of fall sessions for international students.
It’s important for students to understand that the specifics and the exact implementation date of this policy have not been announced.
The press release and announcement did not confirm a September 1 start date, but instead mentioned that the change will take effect “this fall,” with more details to follow.
Therefore, students should not begin working 24 hours per week until Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada officially announces that the new limit is in effect.
We anticipate that the specifics of this policy may be released later this month. However, as of now, students are still restricted to working no more than 20 hours per week if their permit indicates they are eligible for off-campus employment.
Questions Awaiting Clarity
The lack of detailed information has left several important questions unanswered, including:
- Policy Implementation: How will the policy be introduced? Will it apply to all international students, or will eligibility vary depending on the session students begin?
- Effective Date: When will this policy take effect? This is crucial, as many students are eager to know the exact implementation date.
- Role of Academic Institutions: Will universities and colleges be required to monitor the number of hours their students work? What systems will be put in place to ensure compliance?
- Labour Market Impact: With rising unemployment rates, how will the government implement this policy without worsening the unemployment situation?
To move forward, the Canadian government needs to provide clear and comprehensive guidelines on how the 24-hour work policy will be rolled out.
These guidelines should outline specific eligibility criteria, monitoring processes, and support systems for students.
The proposed 24-hour work policy for international students in Canada could significantly impact by offering greater flexibility and financial stability for students while addressing labour shortages.
However, the current lack of detailed information has left students and other stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.
As the Canadian government prepares to reveal the specifics of this policy, it’s essential to find a balance between meeting economic demands and ensuring the well-being of international students.
In the meantime, the international student community and their supporters will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for clear guidance and equitable implementation of this important policy change.
