Canada has increased the number of hours international students can work off-campus during academic sessions as part of a major update to its international student program. Eligible students can now work up to 24 hours per week, up from 20 hours.

In early September, the Canadian Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the new rule capping working hours for international students to 24 hours per week would come into effect later this fall.

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, confirmed that this change officially came into effect as part of new regulations intended to strengthen the integrity of the program.

This expanded work hour limit should provide more financial flexibility for students looking to support themselves during an extended vacation while still focusing on their studies. This also addresses potential labor shortages.

However, Canada has also introduced stricter rules for changing educational institutions. International students must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before making such changes.

GOODBYE TO SDS FOR INDIAN STUDENTS

Canada has ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which expedited the processing of study permits for Indian students for the past six years.

While the move is part of broader changes aimed at aligning temporary residency with Canada’s long-term economic goals, it has important implications for Indian students.

Applications submitted under the SDS program before the deadline of November 8, 2024 at 2 p.m. ET will still receive faster processing. However, new applications must now go through the regular study permit stream, which generally takes longer to process.

Indian students, who make up a significant portion of Canada’s international student population, will now need to navigate these changes carefully.

The increase in work hours is a relief, but the end of the SDS program could add delays to the permit application process.

OBJECTIVE ELIMINATE FRAUD AND SUPPORT STUDENTS

These changes are part of Canada’s broader efforts to make its international student program more sustainable by eliminating fraud and protecting students from financial vulnerabilities.

Marc Miller stressed that these measures are crucial to maintaining the quality and credibility of the program while ensuring that it continues to meet economic needs.