Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced new regulations for international students working in Canada. This is great news for foreign students as it allows them to work in the country up to 24 hours a week.
Before this extension of rules came in, foreign students were only allowed to work for 20 hours per week and not more than that. However, as of 8th November, international students can work off-campus up to 24 hours a week while their study session goes on.
These international students do not need a Canadian work permit to work off-campus but they do need to meet some eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for International Students to Work Off-Campus
Foreign students need to meet the following requirements to be eligible to work off-campus.
- They need to be a full-time student at a DLI
- They must be enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program, or are enrolled in a secondary-level vocational training program, but this one is for Quebec only
- Their study program has to last at least 6 months, and end with a degree/diploma/certificate
- They must have began studying
- They must have a SIN
Other Changes for Foreign Students
The other changes announced for foreign students was that they cannot continue to study on the study permit if they are changing their DLI. If the student wishes to change their DLI, they have to get a new study permit issued for the same. However, not all students need to meet this change.
Further, students can work for any amount of time when their DLI has declared a holiday break. They may also work for any amount of hours as long as they are working remotely for a non-Canadian employer and meeting their study permit requirements.
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