Canada Increases Work Hours to 24 for International Students – Major Changes and Implications

Under new employment laws, international students in Canada will be able to work up to 24 hours a week off-campus while they are enrolled in classes, starting November 15, 2024. This change, which raises the previous 20-hour work restriction, is intended to provide students more freedom to sustain themselves financially while pursuing their academic objectives. 

The Canadian government’s move to increase the weekly work cap for foreign students is consistent with its mission to provide a safe, healthy environment for international students. It is anticipated that this adjustment would assist overseas students in managing their living costs while obtaining worthwhile job experience. Students will also have more opportunity to earn money during the summer or winter holidays since they can now work an unrestricted number of hours during academic breaks. 

Key Highlights of the New Regulations:

• Increased Work Hours: During the academic semester, international students are now permitted to work off-campus up to 24 hours per week, instead of the former cap of 20. 

• Unlimited Work During Breaks: Students can work as many hours as they wish during scheduled academic breaks. 

• No Restrictions on On-Campus Work: Students can work unlimited hours on-campus throughout the year. 

• Study Permit Update: Students must apply for a new study permit if they want to switch their Designated Learning Institute (DLI). 

Implications for Indian Students

These improvements offer a big advantage to Indian students who want to study in Canada. The additional work hours might lessen the cost of living and study in Canada, which is becoming a more and more popular place for international students to study. In addition to the monetary advantages, the longer workweeks give students the opportunity to get Canadian job experience, which may be very important for their future employment prospects and chances for permanent residence after graduation.  

Students should be aware of the increased conditions for study permits, nevertheless. Before moving to a different DLI, individuals must get clearance for a new study permit if they want to change University. This guarantees that students follow all legal criteria and gives authorities more control over the immigration process. 

How These Changes Affect Canadian Immigration 

The new rules are part of Canada’s wider efforts to boost the International Student Programme’s (ISP) reputation. The intent of expanding work hours is to attract and retain top talent from across the world, especially India, which is one of the primary sources of Canada’s growing number of foreign students. 

Considering Canada’s post-graduation job prospects and path to permanent citizenship, these updates are seen as a step in the direction of a more accommodative and advantageous immigration system. Especially for Indian students, the opportunity to work more hours while they study would enhance their employability and strengthen their Canadian work experience. 

What Should Students Do Now? 

If you’re planning to study in Canada, here are some next steps you can take: 

• Stay Updated: To prevent any surprises, stay up to date on the most recent modifications to Canadian immigration laws. 

• Plan Your Finances: You can plan to make more money while you study thanks to the new work laws but be careful to strike a balance between your job and school obligations. 

• Consult with Experts: To learn more about the criteria, speak with a reputable visa counselor if you’re unclear how these changes will impact your study plans or immigration procedure. 

Conclusion

Canada’s new foreign student employment law offers interesting new prospects for students looking to study. Canada with these new reforms where students are now allowed to work at higher work limit, where they get unlimited breaks and have flexibility towards their financial and academic commitments. Canada is becoming an even more appealing destination for Indian students seeking a top-tier education and valuable work experience. 

To learn more about how these changes affect your intentions to study abroad and how to navigate the immigration process, contact our team of experts right now!