Canada's Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has decided to prolong a crucial policy, allowing specific international students to exceed the standard 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus employment. Initially introduced in 2022, the policy, which was slated to conclude on December 31, 2023, has now received an extension until April 30, 2024.
Before this extension, international students were confined to a maximum of 20 hours per week for off-campus work during academic sessions, with the flexibility to engage in full-time employment during scheduled breaks.
Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, shared insights on the policy extension, revealing plans for potential future modifications. Miller expressed, "The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit...will be extended to April 30, 2024." He added, "We continue to examine options for this policy in the future, such as expanding off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while class is in session."
According to IRCC, international students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including possessing a study permit and authorization to work in alignment with Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. Notably, students are now permitted to take on multiple jobs to fulfill their extended work hours, presenting a significant shift in opportunities for the international student community in Canada. As discussions about the future of this policy unfold, it marks a pivotal moment in shaping the landscape of international education in the country
