Canada Reinstates 20-Hour Work Limit for International Students: A Shift in Work Permit Regulations

International students in Canada, who previously enjoyed a temporary relaxation of the 20-hours per week off-campus work restriction, are facing significant changes. The flexibility that allowed foreign students with valid study permits to engage in unlimited off-campus work is set to expire at the end of 2023.

Key Details of the Change:

Expiration of Flexibility: The temporary relaxation of work hours will conclude on December 31, 2023. This means international students will revert to the conventional 20-hour weekly limit for off-campus work.
Implications: Students relying on off-campus work for income or career advancement must adjust to the new restrictions. Exceeding the 20-hour limit without proper authorization from January 1, 2024, could jeopardize their study permits and legal status in Canada.

Eligibility for Extended Work Hours:

For Study Permits Applied on or Before October 7, 2022: Students must hold a valid study permit, study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), and be in Canada or re-enter by December 31, 2023. Specific conditions on their study permits are required for extended off-campus work.
For Study Permits Applied After October 7, 2022: Similar conditions apply, including the need to be in Canada by the end of 2023 and specific permit conditions allowing extended work.

Eligibility Criteria:

Students must be in Canada or have re-entered by December 31, 2023.
They must be studying full-time at a DLI (or part-time if in the final academic semester).
Their study permit should include specific conditions for off-campus work.

Consequences of Non-Compliance:

Strict adherence to these conditions is essential. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria may result in students having to leave Canada.
Employers and students must ensure eligibility before exceeding the 20-hour limit. Non-compliance could lead to study permit cancellation and potential deportation.

Advice for Affected Students:

International students are encouraged to explore alternative options for income generation or career development within the allowable timeframe.
Consulting immigration advisors or career counselors can be beneficial in navigating these changes and securing future employment opportunities.

This development marks a significant shift for international students in Canada, emphasizing the importance of understanding and adhering to work permit rules and regulations.