Canada Lifted 20-Hours Per Week Off-Campus Work Rule for Post-Secondary Students

With effect from 15th November 2022 to 31st December 2023, all the international students in Canada with an off-campus work authorization will be allowed to work beyond the 20-hour-per-week rule. 

Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Hon. Sean Fraser, announced to temporarily lift the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work cap for eligible post-secondary students who are allowed to work off-campus in Canada while their ongoing session.

Also, those foreign nationals who have submitted their study permit application, as of October 7, 2022 will be benefited from this change, only if their application is approved by the IRCC.

Temporary Changes to Bring Positive Outcomes

This temporary measure by IRCC will offer a greater opportunity to many international students in gaining valuable Canadian work experience, and will also increase the overall availability of skilled workers to help Canada sustain its post-pandemic economic growth. 

With over 500,000 international students currently studying in Canada with additional working hours, this temporary change will play an important role in addressing Canada's labour market shortages. All the study permit holders must balance their study program and this additional work commitments, as those who fail to balance will not qualify to work off-campus.

Other Measure for International Students in Canada

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is also planning to launch a pilot project in October for automating the study permit extension applications. 

IRCC is creating a transition period for those who are studying online from abroad.

IRCC Is giving an opportunity to those who have expired or expiring post-graduation work permit to be eligible for an additional 18-month open work permit.