Canada set to make international student work policy permanent by 2024. Approaching 2024, numerous international students eagerly anticipate the conclusion of Canada’s temporary policy enabling full-time off-campus work. The imminent shift towards a permanent international student work policy is a focal point, as Canada considers making this significant change beyond scheduled academic breaks.
The goal of the program, which IRCC introduced in October 2022, was to address the country’s labor shortfall. On the other hand, the IRCC’s pilot program, which commenced on November 15 of the prior year, is scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2023.
Prior to the passage of this legislation, overseas students were subject to restrictions by the IRCC, which limited their ability to work off-campus during the academic year to 20 hours per week. Interestingly, students were allowed to work full-time during planned breaks from school, such as winter break and reading week.
Eligibility for over 20 weekly work hours IRCC’s policy
The IRCC’s temporary solution enables qualifying foreign nationals enrolled in Canadian universities to work beyond the generally allowed 20 hours per week for international students during class periods.
International students across the country must physically attend classes in Canada in order to be eligible for the adjusted work hours policy. They cannot pursue online education from overseas. Additionally, they need to have a study permission that specifically mentions their ability to work off campus.
Alongside students presently enrolled in a post-secondary program in Canada, those who initiated their study permit application process on or before October 7, 2022, are eligible to avail themselves of the benefits offered by this interim measure.
Numerous stakeholders advocate for the permanent adoption of the existing IRCC policy
There is a pervasive argument in Canada that says maintaining this policy would be extremely helpful to qualifying foreign students who are struggling to deal with inflation and the rising expense of living there.
Recognizing that the enduring nature of this policy would provide essential support to international students grappling with the escalating affordability challenges in Canada, subject matter experts and advocacy groups are aligning with foreign nationals in urging Canada to refrain from returning to the previous work hours policy.
What is the likelihood of IRCC permanently implementing this policy for eligible international students?
The Canadian government has not yet given any indication as to whether the current work hours regime would remain in place once this year ends. The government has not indicated whether it will maintain the program intended to address the persistent labor shortages in the country. The ambiguity highlights how difficult it continues to be for Canada to solve its labor crisis. The policy’s future is still up in the air, raising questions about its long-term viability as the country struggles with the ongoing problem of labor demand.
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