1. Increased Off-Campus Work Hours

International students are now allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while their classes are in session. This change, effective November 15, 2024, is a significant increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.

• Purpose:
  According to Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, this change strikes a balance between allowing students to work and ensuring they focus on their studies.

• Unchanged Rules for Unlimited Work:

  • Students can still work unlimited hours on-campus.
  • Off-campus, they can work unlimited hours during academic breaks (e.g., summer vacation or term breaks).

This policy adjustment provides international students with greater financial flexibility while maintaining the focus on academic success.

2. New Requirements for Changing Schools

International students who want to change their Designated Learning Institution (DLI) must now apply for a new study permit before switching schools.

• Previous Policy:
  Students could change schools using the same study permit by simply updating their information on their IRCC online account.

• New Policy:

  • Students must apply for a new permit and, in some cases, wait for approval before transferring to a new institution.
  • This policy enhances the integrity of the study permit system and ensures proper documentation during school transitions.

3. Temporary Pandemic Policy Ended

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada introduced a temporary rule allowing international students to work up to 40 hours per week to address labor shortages and provide students with more income opportunities. This rule ended on April 30, 2024, returning to the capped hours policy.

Why Were These Changes Made?

The new policies aim to:

1. Maintain Academic Integrity: By capping work hours at 24 per week, students are encouraged to prioritize their studies while still being able to work part-time.
2. Strengthen the Integrity of the International Student Program: Requiring a new study permit for school changes reduces misuse of the system and ensures compliance.
3. Balance Opportunities and Outcomes: Allowing more work hours provides financial benefits to students without compromising their education.

Impact on International Students

1. Financial Benefits: The increased work hours allow students to earn more money, helping them cover living expenses and tuition fees.
2. More Administrative Steps: The new requirement for a study permit when changing schools adds complexity to the process but ensures better documentation and oversight.
3. Continued Work Flexibility: The ability to work unlimited hours during breaks or on-campus remains a strong advantage for international students in Canada.

What Students Should Know

• If you plan to change schools, ensure you apply for a new study permit in advance.
• Take advantage of the new 24-hour work limit while balancing your studies.
• Keep track of academic and work policies to avoid compliance issues with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

These changes reflect Canada’s efforts to support international students while maintaining the integrity of its immigration and academic programs.