New Rules for International Students in Canada 2024

Recent Update for International Students

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant changes for international students. Since April 30, 2024, international students can no longer work more than 20 hours per week off campus. Instead, a new rule has been passed that will be effective this September. This New rule permits them to work up to 24 hours so that the Students can focus on their studies. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, highlighted the importance of international students to Canada’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. If you’re interested in exploring scholarship opportunities in Canada, check out our guide: Scholarships in Canada in 2024: A Guide for Application Process!

Why were these changes in Canada’s working hours for Students made?

This change in student working hours in Canada resulted from a thorough review, considering various factors such as, student needs, global policies, and research showing negative academic effects from over 24 hours of work weekly.

Recent studies from both the United States and Canada have shown a decline in academic performance among students working over 28 hours weekly, with increased dropout rates for those exceeding 24 hours. These findings underscore the necessity of balancing work and academic commitment, hence why changes were made in students working hours in canada.

New Regulations for Indian Students

For Indian students, a key demographic in Canadian higher education, the new regulations will apply starting September. With India contributing significantly to Canada’s international student population, estimated at 319,130, these adjustments reflect Canada’s commitment to maintaining a robust educational environment while ensuring students have opportunities for practical experience.

It’s crucial to note that working off campus for international students, including Indians, requires adherence to specific regulations. A work permit is mandatory unless students meet specific criteria outlined in their study permits. Violating these regulations could lead to serious consequences, including deportation.

Canada’s Changes to Student Work Permits

Canada is speeding up changes to international students’ post-graduation work permits. Originally set for September 1, 2024, the new rules now start from May 15, 2024. Graduates of certain college programs, especially those through public-private partnerships, will no longer qualify. The goal is to streamline processes and tackle housing shortages due to a rise in international student permits. While this doesn’t completely block graduates from seeking work permits, it pushes them to consider alternatives like employer-supported permits.

For more information about recent visa regulations in Canada, including changes to the post-graduation work permit program, visit: Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit: Recent Changes to the Program.

FAQs

1. Can international students work more than 40 hours in Canada?
   No, international students in Canada cannot work more than 20 hours per week off-campus, starting from September 2024.
2. What are the recent changes regarding students working hours in canada?
   Since April 30, 2024, international students can no longer work over 20 hours per week off campus. Instead, a new rule allows them to work up to 24 hours per week starting in September.
3. How do the new regulations affect Indian students studying in Canada?
   Indian students will also be subject to the new regulations starting September. These adjustments aim to balance educational quality and practical experience opportunities for all international students.
4. When will the changes to international students’ post-graduation work permits in Canada take effect?
   The new rules for international students’ post-graduation work permits in Canada will now start from May 15, 2024, instead of the original date of September 1, 2024.