Our ServicesPart-time jobs offer international students both financial support and the opportunity to acquire meaningful work experience. Discussions to make changes in the work-hour limits happened early in 2024. With the policy finally coming into action on November 15, 2024, many students have felt a gush of relief, helping them cover significant expenses.
The change marks a smart move for Canada’s economy and a benefit for international students. This blog discusses the potential impact of this development on the country and students’ lives.
Understanding the New Policy
The previous terms of the policy allowed international students in Canada to work part-time—up to 20 hours a week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks. However, the recent change increased the allowable working hours to 24 per week during active study periods. This policy intends to compensate for labour shortages across several sectors while allowing students to meet their education and living costs.
The regulation is effective for international students pursuing higher education in Canadian institutions. It aims to organize their integration into Canada’s labour market without disrupting the balance between academic and work responsibilities.
Why This Policy Matters
1. Financial Relief for Students
The increase in work hours provides financial respite to international students. Pursuing education overseas is a significant investment, and incurring expenses on tuition fees and living costs can be an added pressure. More work hours for students mean more revenue to cover these costs without compromising their studies. The new policy indeed lessens the financial stress amidst the rising inflation and cost of living in urban areas like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
2. Addressing Canada’s Labor Shortages
Labour shortages have plagued Canada’s industrial sectors, including retail, hospitality, healthcare, and technology. Extended work hours allow international students to fill critical workforce gaps while gaining valuable work experience. This will enable industries to seek more suitable talent and provide students with skills that boost their employability.
3. Enhancing Student Experience
Beyond providing financial relief, this new policy helps students enjoy a worthwhile Canadian experience. Engaging more actively in the workforce allows students to fit in better with Canadian society and connect better with Canada’s people and professional community through active participation in the cultural and work environment. These experiences help students grow personally and professionally.
Balancing Work and Studies
The policy has numerous advantages. However, it requires careful time management on the part of students. Their priority is to excel in academics, which overworking should not affect. Institutions and employers must work together to support students and help them balance work and academic responsibilities.
Tips for Students:
- Set Priorities
Plan your routine for the entire week, allotting dedicated time for work, study and rest.
- Communicate with Employers
If you have prior academic commitments, discuss them with your employer. They can help arrange a flexible work schedule.
- Utilize Campus Resources
Most universities help students understand their dual responsibilities by organizing workshops on time management and career planning.
Broader Implications for Canada
1. Attracting Global Talent
The revival of the policy makes Canada more appealing as an educational hub. International students are more likely to pursue education in Canada than any other country because of the ample job opportunities and the possibility of gaining valuable work experience. A significant rise in the influx of foreign talent contributes to the country’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
2. Retention of Skilled Workers
After graduation, many international students remain in Canada, gaining permanent residency and joining the workforce. The government’s new policy of increasing work hours strengthens the connection with these individuals, enabling them to see Canada as a permanent home. This approach aligns with Canada’s intention to address its ageing population and keep a supply of skilled workers flowing.
3. Strengthening Local Economies
Most students live in the urban areas, where their contribution to the country’s workforce benefits the local economy. Their participation in several industrial sectors makes their contributions a strong element in making businesses and communities survive.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the benefits offered by the policy, it is backed by some challenges:
- Risk of Exploitation
Some employers may exploit the long hours by making students work for an extended period. Such situations must be prevented by enforcing strict labour laws.
- Academic Performance
Another risk is that students overextend themselves, affecting their academic performance. Institutions should guide students and help them understand how to balance their roles as students and professionals.
- Sector-Specific Impact
While the policy aims to fill labour gaps, some sectors may be more preferentially served. A balanced approach can ensure that all industries are served equally.
Conclusion
Canada allowing international students to work 24 hours per week is a progressive step further ceding to its commitment to supporting students while dealing with its economic challenges. The policy benefits students, relieving the financial stress of covering living and educational expenses. It also helps them smoothly integrate into Canadian society by contributing to the workforce. The country benefits from attracting global talent, which further helps in strengthening the local economy.
The success of the policy’s implementation depends on the cooperation among policymakers, employers and institutions. They must ensure students do not compromise with their education or health. The policy shows Canada’s advanced approach to organizing education and economic growth.
With the policy implemented, more international students are researching reputed educational institutions in Canada. While they plan to start afresh, several factors must be considered to ensure they can navigate the country’s tough immigration procedures. ImmigrationWay can guide students through the appropriate steps to avoid exceeding application deadlines, missing essential information, or facing rejections.
At the Ronen Kurzfeld Law Firm, our Immigration Lawyers help you understand the complexities of Canada’s immigration policies and help you stay updated on the latest policy changes.
