by Wego Travel
This article has been reviewed and fact-checked by Wego’s editorial team.
International students in Canada can now breathe a sigh of relief as the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announces a significant policy shift regarding off-campus work permissions, Wego reports.
The move, announced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, signifies a concerted effort to enhance the overall experience and opportunities for international students while studying in Canada.
Today, we announced that off-campus work hours for international students will return to the 20­hour-per-week limit as of May 1, 2024. The temporary policy that waived the 20-hour limit expires tomorrow: https://t.co/liAGph4aE5
· As we head into the summer session,…
— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) April 29, 2024

 
In recent months, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been diligently reforming the International Student Program, aiming to maintain system integrity while safeguarding students from potential fraud and financial vulnerability. As part of these ongoing reforms, the temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus was set to expire on April 30, 2024, with no extension planned.
However, the Minister’s announcement brings promising news for international students. Starting this fall, the limit on off-campus work hours will be raised from the current 20 to a more flexible 24 hours per week. This adjustment seeks to strike a balance between providing students with valuable work experience and ensuring they prioritize their academic pursuits.
Minister Miller emphasized that while working off campus can be beneficial for international students in gaining experience and managing expenses, the primary purpose of their presence in Canada should be for studying. The increased hours aim to support students’ financial needs while maintaining a focus on academic success.
The decision also considers research indicating that excessive work hours can negatively impact academic performance. By allowing international students to work up to 24 hours per week, the government aims to mitigate these potential academic challenges while still providing employment opportunities.
Moreover, as the summer session approaches, students with scheduled academic breaks will have the flexibility to work unlimited hours, providing them with additional financial support during their time off from their studies.
Looking ahead, the government remains committed to enhancing the International Student Program through initiatives such as the Recognized Institutions Framework. This framework aims to recognize and reward post-secondary institutions that uphold high standards for selecting, supporting, and retaining international students.

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