Can International Students Now Work 24 Hours Per Week?

Last Updated On 2 September 2024, 10:06 AM EDT (Toronto Time)

Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced in April 2024 that they intend to increase the number of hours international students may work off campus per week to 24 hours this fall.

However, key details remain undisclosed, leaving students, educational institutions, and employers in a state of uncertainty.

September marks the beginning of fall season in Canada and even fall sessions for international students begins this month.

Students must understand that details and specifics, as well as the exact date for implementation of this policy, are yet to be announced.

The actual press release and announcement did not specify that the policy will begin on September 1, but rather said “this fall” and “more details will be shared in due course.”

So do not start working 24 hours per week until Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada publicly announces that students are now allowed to do so.

We expect that details of this policy could come out anytime this month, but currently students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week if their permit specifies that they are eligible to work off-campus.

Click here for scenarios where international students can work more than 40 hours.

Unanswered Questions: The Need for Clarity

The lack of detailed information has left many questions unanswered. Key among them are the following:

How will the policy be implemented? Will it apply to all international students, or will there be specific eligibility criteria depending on the session students start?
What will be the effective date? This is the most important question, as many students are seeking the answer on when this policy comes into effect.
How will academic institutions be involved? Will universities and colleges be required to monitor the number of hours their students are working? If so, what mechanisms will be put in place to ensure compliance?
Impact on the Labour Market: With rising unemployment rates, it will be important to see how the government plans on implementing this policy to ensure rising unemployment.

To move forward, the Canadian government must provide clear and detailed guidelines on how the 24-hour work policy will be implemented.

This should include specific eligibility criteria, monitoring mechanisms, and support systems for students.

The proposed 24-hour work policy for international students in Canada has the potential to be a game-changer, offering students greater flexibility and financial stability while helping to address labour shortages.

However, the lack of detailed information has left students and many stakeholders in a state of uncertainty.

As the Canadian government prepares to unveil the specifics of this policy, it will be crucial to strike a balance between the needs of the economy and the well-being of international students.

Until then, the international student community and their advocates will be watching closely, hoping for clarity and a fair implementation of this significant policy shift.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.