Canada sets work limit of 24 hours a week for Indian students

Study abroad: Canada has announced setting up a work limit of 24 hours a week for international students including Indian students. The new regulation will be effective from September 2024.

Canada has announced that from September onwards, international students will be allowed to only work for 24 hours a week and not more than that.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship said, "The temporary policy allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will come to an end on April 30, 2024, and it will not be extended. This fall, we intend to change the number of hours students may work off campus per week to 24 hours," as reported by NDTV.

He added that the international students who come to Canada arrive here mainly to study hence their primary focus should be to study and not work. The work-hour limit is set to make international students focus more on their studies while getting the employment opportunity if required.

"Working off campus helps international students gain work experience and offset some of their expenses. As international students arrive in Canada, we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program," he added.

Working too long likely negatively impact academic performances

Miller emphasised that it is important to align Canada's policies with other countries. He also said that working for too long affects the academic performance of the students. While speaking in a press conference, Miller observed that more than 80% of international students are currently working over 20 hours a week. He emphasised that working beyond 30 hours a week can negatively affect the student's academic performance.

"Canada's rules need to be aligned or we will find our programs attracting more and more applicants whose primary intent is to work and not studying," he added.

"We know from studies that when you start working around 30-hour levels, there is a material impact on the quality of your studies," he further added.

No work limit during breaks

The minister also said that it is important to note that this work limit is not applicable when international students are not actively enrolled in classes such as during summer breaks. 

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