The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit on the number of hours international students are allowed to work off campus, while class is in session, was extended to April 30, 2024.
This change reflects that many current students are relying on working more than 20 hours per week to cover their expenses given the current economic landscape.
This measure also provides international students with a greater opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Canada, and increase the availability of workers to sustain Canada’s post-pandemic growth.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes that allowing students to work as much as they want could potentially jeopardize their studies.
Increasing the financial requirements for new study permit holders, as announced in January 2024, will help ensure students do not need to work excessively while studying.
IRCC is assessing the hours of work policy. We have heard a lot of views, and we know that increased hours has had a lot of support amongst students and employers. However, there is a need to balance work authorization with the fact that international students are in Canada to study.
Supplementary Information
Canadian work experience gained while a full time student does not count towards the work experience requirement for the Canadian Experience Class.
