24-Hours Per Week Work Limit for International Students in Canada Sparks Concerns Over Financial Stability

The Canadian government is set to implement a new rule that will limit the number of hours international students can work off-campus while studying. Expected to take effect this month, the regulation caps off-campus work at 24 hours per week during school sessions, a move that has left many students and advocates worried about the financial implications.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that the new cap is intended to help international students focus on their studies while still allowing them to work part-time. “Students who want to come here have to realize that they can only work 24 hours in order to offset some of their costs or bring the material resources themselves when they come here,” Miller stated in a press release on April 29. He added that the rule strikes a balance between ensuring academic success and allowing students to gain work experience.

However, many international students, particularly from India—the largest group of international students in Canada—are concerned that the new rule will exacerbate their financial struggles. With the cost of living in cities like Toronto already high, the reduction in work hours could make it increasingly difficult for students to cover their living expenses.

“I understand the need to focus on our studies, but this new rule will make it almost impossible for me to manage my expenses,” said Ishita Devkar, a business management student at a Toronto college. “Working three shifts a week won’t be enough to pay for rent, groceries, and tuition.”

The temporary waiver of the 20-hour work limit during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was implemented to address labour shortages, expired on April 30. Since then, students have been anxiously waiting for more clarity on how they will manage their finances under the new rules. Although there are no restrictions on work hours during academic breaks like summer or winter holidays, the cap during school sessions is a significant concern for many.

Reema Attri, an international student from Jalandhar, Punjab, shared her worries: “I came to Canada with the hope of gaining work experience and supporting myself through my studies. This new limit feels like a step backward. It’s going to be tough to make ends meet.”

The change comes at a time when Canadian universities and colleges have seen a steep rise in the number of international students. In 2022 alone, 2.26 lakh out of 5.5 lakh international students in Canada were from India. These students contribute significantly to the economy, often taking up gig jobs to pay for their living expenses. With the new work hour restrictions, students may find it harder to sustain themselves without additional financial support.

Vikas Malhotra, an immigration consultant based in Mississauga, weighed in on the situation, stating, “This change could discourage potential students from coming to Canada. While the government aims to protect academic performance, the financial strain on students might overshadow the benefits of this rule.”

As the rule comes into effect, international students in Canada are left grappling with how to balance their studies with the need to earn a living. The future of many aspiring students now hangs in the balance as they consider the financial realities of pursuing an education in Canada under these new conditions.