| Updated On - Nov 20, 2024
Canada has introduced a new policy allowing international students to work more hours off-campus while studying. Read below to know more about the eligibility criteria & how this change impacts Indian students.
Starting November 8, 2024, Canada has increased the weekly off-campus work limit for international students from 20 to 24 hours. This change will benefit current students in the country, enabling them to work more hours while pursuing their studies.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, explained
“The new cap strikes a balance between allowing students to gain work experience and ensuring they can concentrate on their studies.”
Also Read: Canada Student Visa
Who Is Eligible to Work Off-Campus in Canada?
Not all students qualify for this provision. To work off-campus without a separate permit, students must meet these conditions:
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled full-time in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) offering degree, diploma, or certificate programs lasting at least six months.
- Valid Permit: Study permits must explicitly allow off-campus work.
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Required to start working.
Programs like English/French language courses or general interest studies are not eligible. Students exceeding the 24-hour limit risk losing future work or study permit opportunities.
Financial Relief for Indian Students Amid Rising Costs in Canada
Indian students in Canada face rising living costs despite a reduced inflation rate of 2% (October 2024).
- Food: Prices rose by 2.8% year-on-year, with fresh vegetables up by 2.2%.
- Housing: Rent climbed 4.9% year-on-year, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver.
- Minimum Wages by Province:
- Ontario: CAD 17.20/hour
- British Columbia: CAD 17.40/hour
- Alberta: CAD 15.00/hour
- Nunavut: CAD 19.00/hour (highest in Canada)
Also Read: Part-time Jobs in Canada
Implications of Canada’s New Work Policy for International Students
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, international students were restricted to 20 hours of work per week during academic sessions. A temporary relaxation during the pandemic allowed unlimited hours, but it ended in April 2024.
This change coincides with Canada tightening immigration policies, including reducing student visa quotas to fewer than 300,000 in 2024, down from 437,000 last year.
While the extended work limit provides some financial relief, students are urged to adhere to permit rules to avoid complications in their immigration status.
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