Students from across Canada applaud the Canadian Government’s decision to lift the limits on the number of hours international students can work off campus. The program, which starts November 15, 2022, is slated to end December 31, 2023 and will allow the over 600,000 international students studying in Canada to increase the number of hours they can work off campus beyond 20 hours.
“We applaud the federal government for taking the initiative to support and advance the career development of international learners,” said Navleen Kaur, President of the Concordia Students’ Association. “The removal of work hour limitations will be beneficial for international students to work in different sectors and gain work experience in industries that didn’t offer part time employment.”
According to BC Federation of Students, “On average international students pay $36,100 a year in tuition, which is 430% more than domestic students. These fees are also almost entirely unregulated, and in some cases, fees have gone up more than 20% year to year. On top of that unpredictability, international students grapple with the same issues as domestic students: the high cost of living, unaffordable rent, and record high inflation.”
“This is a big win for international students,” said Melissa Chirino, Chairperson of BC Federation of Students. “Compared to the cost of living in Canada, 20 hours does not go a long way. This decision alleviates some of the financial burden these students face on a daily basis while recognizing there’s more work to be done.”
Current limitations prevent international students from working more than 20 hours in jobs off campus. Allowing international students the ability to work more than 20 hours a week opens the doors to new jobs and less precarious work.
Numerous international students have reported being victims of workplace harassment and feeling stuck at those employers since the limitations on their employment are so numerous. Now, they will have the freedom to seek out new employment if they are being mistreated. Additionally, Statistics Canada research shows that when international students work off campus, they are 200% more likely to stay in Canada and become permanent residents which is crucial to make up for the shortfall in the labour force.
“We are excited about the ability for international learners to begin working twenty-plus hours off campus,” said Dhruv Jani, Director of External Affairs of the Student Association of Bow Valley College. “This brings opportunities for students to pay into their student debts, and gain experience in a Canadian workplace setting. We applaud the Government of Canada for allowing international learners the opportunity to create income during their studies.”
Nolan Nordwall, Vice President External at the BCIT Student Association, said, “I know a lot of my peers will be relieved by this news. I’m pleased to see the Federal Government empowering international students to offset their exceptionally high tuition.”
“A great news indeed, it is a win-win situation for the industry which has a huge skilled workforce shortage and just because of the hourly limit the potential was under-utilized.” said Deep Pandya, President at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Students’ Association. “It was also the need of the hour as the students have been severely affected by the recent increase in the cost-of-living expenses and the fee hike.”