Can International Students Work Full-Time in Canada After March 2024?
Can International Students Work Full-Time in Canada After March 2024?
As an international student in Canada, the ability to work while studying can be a significant advantage. The Canadian government has recently announced some changes to the rules governing work for international students, which will take effect in 2024. Let’s take a closer look at what these changes mean for you.
Temporary Increase in Weekly Work Hours
According to the search results, the Canadian government is considering increasing the weekly work hours for eligible international students from 20 to 30 hours. This temporary policy is expected to be in place until the end of April 2024. [2]
This change is intended to provide more financial support for international students, as the cost of living in Canada continues to rise. However, it’s important to note that this increased work allowance is not permanent and may be subject to further changes in the future.
Restrictions on Post-Graduation Work Permits
The search results also indicate that there will be some changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Starting September 1, 2024, international students who begin their studies at private colleges delivering licensed curriculum will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. [3]
This change is aimed at ensuring that international students who qualify for PGWPs have received a high-quality education that aligns with Canada’s labor market needs. The government hopes this will help retain talented professionals and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
Another significant change is the update to the eligibility criteria for spousal open work permits. Going forward, only spouses of international students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and professional programs will be eligible for these open work permits. Spouses of students in undergraduate and other college programs will no longer be eligible. [3]
This change is likely to impact the ability of some international students to have their spouses work in Canada while they study.
Increased Cost of Living Requirement
The search results also indicate that the minimum proof of financial support required for international students to study in Canada has been increased from $10,000 to $20,635 (excluding tuition fees). This change will take effect on January 1, 2024. [3]
This increase is intended to better reflect the actual cost of living in Canada and ensure that international students have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
In summary, while the Canadian government is temporarily increasing the weekly work hours for eligible international students, there are also some significant changes to the PGWP program and spousal open work permit eligibility. Additionally, the cost of living requirement for international students has been increased. It’s crucial for international students to stay informed about these changes and plan accordingly to ensure a successful study and work experience in Canada.
Citations:
[1] https://www.moneysense.ca/save/can-international-students-work-more-than-40-hours-in-canada/
[2] https://www.y-axis.com/news/canada-to-consider-30-hours-work-policy-for-international-students/
[3] https://arrivein.com/studying/how-canadas-new-2024-student-visa-rules-will-affect-international-students/
[4] https://daadscholarship.com/working-in-canada-as-an-international-student-new-rules/
[5] https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada/work/work-off-campus.html
