Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has announced a significant policy shift that will allow international students to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week starting from September. This move aims to enable students to fund their studies while also addressing labor shortages across various sectors in the country. The decision comes as the federal government seeks to manage a surge in international student enrollments nationwide.

Minister Miller emphasized that the primary purpose of the international student program is education, not employment. He highlighted that similar countries restrict international students’ working hours based on best practices, and Canada’s rules need alignment to prevent an influx of applicants prioritizing work over studies. Miller expressed concern that a lack of alignment could lead to unintended consequences, undermining the integrity of the program.

While the decision to increase work hours has garnered support from some international students who argue it’s necessary to fund their studies, critics caution that allowing full-time work could blur the line between a study permit and an unofficial work visa, undermining their intended purposes. Internal departmental data indicates that over 80 percent of international students currently work beyond the 20-hour limit. However, until September, the work hours limit will revert to 20 hours weekly, pending a permanent change to 24 hours.

Earlier proposals to set the cap permanently at 30 hours a week were reconsidered by Minister Miller, who cited studies indicating a negative impact on the quality of studies with increased work hours. While the government is considering students’ perspectives, it aims to strike a balance between facilitating students’ financial needs and ensuring they prioritize their education. The upcoming changes reflect Canada’s ongoing efforts to adapt immigration policies to evolving economic and social landscapes.