Canada has introduced important updates for international students aimed at refining work regulations and study permit requirements. These changes, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on November 15, reflect efforts to balance students’ academic priorities with opportunities to gain work experience and financial support.
Adjusted Work Hours for International Students
Starting this year, international students in Canada are allowed to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during term time. This is an increase from the pre-pandemic limit of 20 hours but less than the unlimited work hours permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The adjustment seeks to strike a balance between enabling students to support themselves financially and ensuring their academic commitments remain the priority.
Full-Time Work Opportunities During Breaks
During scheduled breaks, such as summer and winter holidays, eligible students can continue to work full-time without requiring a separate work permit. This flexibility allows students to maximize earnings during non-academic periods while staying compliant with their visa conditions.
Changes to Study Permit Requirements
In addition to work regulations, IRCC has introduced new requirements for study permits, aiming to enhance accountability and oversight in Canada’s international education system.
Switching Schools Requires Approval
International students intending to transfer to a different designated learning institution (DLI) must first apply for and receive approval for a new study permit. This measure ensures that transitions between institutions remain transparent and regulated.
Compliance Reporting by Institutions
DLIs are now required to submit compliance reports to IRCC twice a year. These reports verify whether study permit holders remain actively enrolled in their respective programs.
Institutions failing to meet compliance standards or verify acceptance letters may face serious consequences, including a suspension from admitting new international students for up to one year.
Quebec’s Grace Period for Compliance Reporting
DLIs in Quebec have been granted a temporary grace period from compliance reporting requirements. IRCC is collaborating with Quebec to establish the necessary infrastructure for these updates. Once systems are in place, Quebec institutions will be required to adhere to the same compliance standards as other provinces.
Strengthened Verification of Letters of Acceptance
To bolster the integrity of Canada’s international student program, IRCC introduced an enhanced Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification system on December 1, 2023. This initiative addresses concerns about fraudulent acceptance letters and ensures that only genuine students are granted study permits.
Key Achievements of the LOA System (Dec 2023 – Oct 2024):
- 529,000 LOAs were submitted for verification.
- 492,000 LOAs were successfully validated directly with DLIs.
- Over 17,000 LOAs were identified as either unissued or canceled before a study permit application was submitted.
This system minimizes misuse of Canada’s international education framework, ensuring that the program supports legitimate students and institutions.
What These Updates Mean for International Students
The new regulations are designed to preserve the integrity of Canada’s international education system while offering students ample opportunities to gain work experience and financial stability.
Balancing Work and Education
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of the revised work limit, stating, “By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education.”
These changes aim to maintain a productive balance, allowing students to work while ensuring their academic performance does not suffer.
Staying Compliant: Responsibilities for Students and Schools
Both international students and their educational institutions play critical roles in adhering to the updated regulations.
Student Responsibilities:
- Maintain active enrollment in a DLI-approved program.
- Adhere strictly to the 24-hour weekly limit on off-campus work during term time.
- Ensure compliance with new study permit requirements, particularly when changing schools.
Institutional Responsibilities:
- Submit biannual compliance reports to IRCC to confirm student enrollment status.
- Verify the authenticity of Letters of Acceptance and maintain transparency in admissions processes.
Institutions that fail to meet these expectations risk penalties, including losing the ability to enroll new international students.
Opportunities and Challenges
Canada’s updated policies demonstrate a commitment to fostering an international student community that is both academically focused and economically supported.
For students, the revised regulations provide a clearer structure for balancing work and study, with ample opportunities for full-time employment during breaks. At the same time, stricter compliance measures safeguard the program’s credibility, ensuring that Canada remains an attractive destination for genuine international students.
As Canada continues to refine its approach, these changes serve as a reminder for students and institutions alike to remain informed and diligent, ensuring mutual success within the country’s vibrant international education ecosystem.
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