Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, has announced a new temporary policy aimed at addressing the country’s ongoing labor shortage. This policy will allow more than 500,000 international students currently in Canada to work beyond the standard 20-hour-per-week limit.
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Policy Details:
International students with valid study permits are typically allowed to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week. However, under this temporary measure, those who meet specific eligibility criteria will be able to work more hours. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this initiative is intended to help ease labor shortages while providing students with more financial stability.
This policy applies to:
- Students already studying in Canada with a valid study permit.
- Individuals who have received approval for a study permit but have not yet arrived in Canada.
- Applicants who submitted a study permit application before October 2024 and are awaiting approval.
Fraser emphasized that this change is crucial for filling labor gaps in various sectors, as Canada experiences historically low unemployment rates. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate was reported at 5.2% in September 2024, down from 5.4% in August 2024.
Benefits:
Expanding work opportunities for international students offers several advantages:
- Increased Income:
Students can earn more to cover living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. - Reduced Financial Dependence:
By working extra hours, students may rely less on personal savings or family support. - Higher Wages:
Canada’s minimum wage is higher than in many other countries, ensuring better compensation. - Work Experience:
Gaining Canadian work experience enhances students’ resumes and employability. - Networking Opportunities:
Working part-time helps students build professional connections, increasing their chances of securing a full-time job post-graduation. - Pathway to Permanent Residency:
Many immigration programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), prioritize applicants with Canadian work experience. - Language and Cultural Exposure:
Working in Canada helps non-native English or French speakers improve their language skills and integrate into Canadian society.
Challenges to Consider:
While this policy offers many benefits, students should be mindful of potential challenges:
- Balancing Work and Studies: More working hours could impact academic performance.
- Limited Job Availability: Despite increased working hours, securing a job still depends on local demand and competition.
- Tax Obligations: International students working in Canada must comply with Canadian tax regulations, including obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and filing taxes annually.
How to Apply for Jobs in Canada?
International students can find job opportunities through various platforms, including:
- Private Job Boards: Indeed, Workopolis
- University Career Centers: Many Canadian universities offer job placement assistance and internship programs.
- Networking: Engaging in networking events and connecting with local businesses can improve job prospects.
Frequently Asked Question:
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Can I work 40 hours as an international student in Canada?
However, the good news is dat under certain conditions you can work for up to 40 hours or more per week, and there are twee scenario’s in which this can occur: Scheduled breaks: International students can work fulltime during scheduled breaks (winter, summer, reading weeks).
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Which student can work more than 20 hours in Canada?
If the international student’s application for a study permit extension was received by IRCC on or before December 7, and the application is approved, they may work more than 20 hours per week under the public policy until the study permit extension expires, or until april , whichever comes first
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Is it easy for international students to get jobs in Canada?
It is not easy to get a job in Canada as an international student. The competition is high and there are many qualified kandidaten. However, it is possible to get a job of you are willing to work hard and network.
