Canada has introduced several significant updates for international students.
These changes, announced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on November 15, include updates to work regulations and study permit requirements, designed to balance educational focus with work opportunities.
International Student Work Hours in Canada
Starting this year, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time. This replaces the unlimited work hours allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic and slightly increases the pre-pandemic limit of 20 hours per week.
The adjustment ensures that students can support themselves financially while maintaining their focus on education. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, eligible students can still work full-time without needing a separate work permit.
Changes to Canada’s Study Permit Rules
IRCC has implemented new study permit requirements for international students:
- Switching Schools: Students must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing their designated learning institution (DLI).
- Compliance Reporting: Designated Learning Institutions are required to submit compliance reports to IRCC twice a year, confirming whether study permit holders remain enrolled in their programs.
If a school fails to meet compliance reporting requirements or verify acceptance letters, it may face serious consequences. These include being suspended from admitting new international students for up to a year.
Quebec’s Compliance Reporting Grace Period
Currently, DLIs in Quebec are exempt from compliance reporting requirements. IRCC is collaborating with the province to establish the necessary systems. Until these are in place, Quebec DLIs have a grace period before they must adhere to these rules.
Strengthening the Letter of Acceptance (LOA) Process
The Letter of Acceptance verification system, introduced on December 1, 2023, has significantly improved the integrity of the international student program. From December 2023 to October 2024, IRCC:
- Processed nearly 529,000 LOAs submitted for verification.
- Validated almost 492,000 LOAs directly with DLIs.
- Identified over 17,000 LOAs that were either unissued or canceled before a study permit application was submitted.
This system ensures that only genuine students are granted study permits, reducing misuse of Canada’s international education system.
What These Changes Mean for International Students
These updates are designed to maintain the integrity of Canada’s international student program while providing opportunities for students to work and gain valuable experience.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller said: “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. We also expect institutions to support our efforts to preserve the integrity of the international student program.”
Staying Compliant with New Rules
International students must stay informed about their responsibilities, including maintaining enrollment, adhering to work hour limits, and complying with new study permit requirements. Schools and students alike are expected to play a role in ensuring the program’s success.
FAQ: Canada’s International Student Work Hours and Study Permit Changes
1. What are the new work hour limits for international students in Canada?
International students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus during term time, an increase from the pre-pandemic limit of 20 hours. During scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays, eligible students may work full-time. These changes aim to balance work opportunities with academic focus, ensuring students can financially support themselves without compromising their studies.
2. Can international students switch schools without updating their study permit?
No, international students must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing their Designated Learning Institution (DLI). This rule ensures students maintain valid study permits tied to their current institution and program, reinforcing compliance and protecting the integrity of the international student system.
3. What happens if a school fails to submit compliance reports?
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) that fail to submit compliance reports to IRCC may face penalties, including a suspension from admitting new international students for up to a year. Compliance reporting ensures students remain enrolled in their programs and helps identify permit violations, enhancing program accountability.
4. Are Quebec schools required to submit compliance reports?
Quebec DLIs currently have a grace period before they must comply with reporting requirements. IRCC and Quebec are working together to establish the necessary systems. Once implemented, Quebec DLIs will need to submit bi-annual reports confirming international students’ enrollment, just like other institutions in Canada.
5. How does the new Letter of Acceptance (LOA) verification process work?
Introduced in December 2023, this system verifies LOAs submitted by international students applying for study permits. Between December 2023 and October 2024, IRCC validated almost 492,000 LOAs and flagged over 17,000 as invalid or canceled. This process ensures only genuine students are granted permits, safeguarding the program’s integrity.
Previous International Student Changes in 2024
In 2024, Canada implemented additional changes to its International Student Program to better manage the growing number of students and address challenges faced by institutions and students alike.
Study Permit Caps for 2024 and 2025
- A two-year cap was introduced, reducing study permits issued by 35% in 2024 and by 10% in 2025, capping the number at 437,000.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Updates
- As of November 1, 2024, PGWP eligibility for public college graduates is limited to programs aligned with labor shortages.
- Graduates with advanced degrees (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral) remain eligible for up to three years regardless of field.
Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP)
- Eligibility now requires the international student to be in a master’s program lasting at least 16 months.
Increased Financial Requirements
- The Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) requirement increased from $10,000 to $20,635, reflecting higher living costs, potentially limiting access for students from lower-income countries.
