Canada Changes Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students
Post by : Admin on Sep 09,2024
IRCC announced that international students can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus. The temporary rule allowed the students to work more than 20 hours. It ended on 30th April 2024. This measure intends to allow students to focus primarily on their studies. The flexible work limits also, however, give them the option to work if necessary without compromising academics.
How Does the Change Impact Working International Students?
International students can no longer work for more than 20 hours or more per week off campus as was stated in the temporary policy. As per the latest news release by IRCC, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus.
This change of working hours ensures that the students get enough time to do their studies. However, you can continue working unlimited hours if you are on a scheduled academic break.
Why was the Change Important?
The government analyzed existing policies in other countries and the needs of students. Recent studies in the US and Canada showed how academic performances are affected when students work for more than 28 hours a week. Working for over 24 hours a week made the students more likely to drop out of the program.
According to their research, students’ academic grades go down as they continue working while studying. The less they work during this time, the better their results will be.
How Can International Students Work in Canada?
You can work in Canada as an international student if you have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution. Working while studying gives you the chance to gain valuable Canadian work experience. You can work for up to 3 years after graduation if eligible.
You need a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to be eligible for work in Canada.
Are you eligible for PGWP?
The eligibility criteria for PGWP are as follows:
- You should have a valid study permit.
- You should have completed a study program from a designated learning institution.
- The program should lead to a diploma, certificate or degree and be at least 8 months long.
- You have maintained your status as a ‘full-time’ student every semester of your study program.
- You should graduate from either of the following:
- Public post-secondary school
- A private post-secondary school such as in Quebec follows the same policies as public schools in Quebec
- Canadian private schools are eligible to award degrees under provincial law.
- Private secondary and post-secondary Quebec schools with qualifying programs for over 900 hours.
You can apply for a work permit from overseas or inside Canada as long as you are eligible. However, you need to change your status to a ‘visitor’ if your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP.
The entire processing of PGWP applications is quite daunting. Also, the frequent change of policies makes it more challenging. You can get help from immigration consultants like the ones at Onkar Immigration. From assessing your eligibility to processing the PGWP application, they can guide you through the entire process.
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