International students studying in Canada have been enjoying a temporary break from the 20-hour per week limit on off-campus work.
However, this privilege is coming to an end with the upcoming changes to the Work Permit Rules for Students. Effective November 15, 2022, foreign students with valid study permits were granted the freedom to work without restrictions during scheduled school breaks and full-time during regular semesters. Regrettably, this flexibility will cease to exist after December 31, 2023, and international students will once again be confined to the conventional 20-hour limit.
For students who depend on off-campus employment for financial support or professional growth, being aware of the approaching deadline is crucial. Failing to adhere to the new work permit regulations and surpassing the 20-hour limit without proper authorization could put their study permits and legal status in Canada at risk. While the opportunity for unlimited work hours is diminishing, there are still certain circumstances under which some students may qualify for extended work privileges. To be eligible to work beyond 20 hours a week outside the campus, individuals who applied for their study permit on or before October 7, 2022, must meet specific conditions. The primary obligation is to possess an active study permit.
If you are presently engaged in full-time studies (or part-time studies in your last academic semester) and your study permit has expired but your status has been maintained, or if you have been granted a study permit but have yet to arrive in Canada, there are specific requirements you need to fulfil. Firstly, you must be in Canada or plan to return to Canada before December 31, 2023, and your study permit must have prescribed provisions permitting extended off-campus employment.
On the other hand, if you are applying to extend your study permit and it expires between November 15, 2022, and December 31, 2023, different conditions apply.
1. Have applied for the original study permit extension on or before October 7, 2022.
2. Hold a valid study permit and study at a DLI full-time (or part-time if in the final academic semester).
3. Be in Canada or re-enter Canada by December 31, 2023.
4. Have specific conditions on the study permit allowing extended off-campus work.
Make sure to meet these conditions before starting any work off-campus. If the eligibility criteria are not met, students may be required to leave Canada. To avoid detrimental outcomes such as study permit nullifications and potential deportation, both students and employers are bound by the mandate of making certain eligibility requirements before exceeding the 20-hour work time limit.
Progressing Forward
International students affected by the reintroduction of the 20-hour limit are advised to explore alternative ways to earn money or advance their careers within the allowed timeframe. It can be beneficial to seek advice from immigration advisors or career counsellors to navigate these changes and secure future employment prospects.
