International students’ temporary work extension in Canada for over twenty hours per week begins now. IRCC announced last month the flexibility for international students to work over twenty hours every week from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023. This initiative is a mainly one-time attempt to address the labor shortage in Canada and caters to students working in industries such as food, retail, and hospitality. However, this measure doesn’t limit to any specific kind of employment.
The new measure indicates that the existing 500,000 international students will now have the chance to work more than twenty hours a week.
International students’ temporary work in Canada- Eligibility conditions
International students often find it challenging to manage their study expenses, including books, rent, food, and transport facility. Additionally, students visiting Canada through a student visa won’t require a work permit to work in Canada. Moreover, they even have the opportunity to work off-campus during their academic year. However, they must resume their studies in the following semester.
Besides this, students have no specific limitation to the number of hours they can work during summer or winter break.
You must note the following conditions based on which you can work in Canada while studying:
- They must possess a valid study permit.
- Must show their full-time studies proof at a DLI.
- They must have already started their studies, and have a good academic record in their institution.
- Their studies must be academic, vocational, or professional training.
- The program must have a duration of six months and should essentially provide a degree, certificate, or diploma upon completion.
- International students can’t do without a Social Insurance Number.
Significance of international students in Canada
International students play a significant role in Canada through vast tuition fees compared to Canadian students. Additionally, they consume goods and services, further strengthening the Canadian economy. Apart from this, most international students prolong their stay in Canada after their graduation.
Overall, Canada highly relies on immigration as it seeks immigrants to fill the one million job vacancies. As a strong initiative, the Canadian government again increased the immigration targets to another level. With the new Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025, the country is all set to welcome over 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025.
Immigrants under the economic class have repeatedly proven their efficiency in contributing to the Canadian labor market. They have contributed through their work, study experience, and language abilities in English and French.
Study permits in 2022
IRCC sent more than 452,000 study permits between January and August this year. Most recent data on immigration backlog suggests an ongoing demand for study permits. The inventory for study permit applications accounts for 125,966, with more people requesting study permits, almost 34,000.
International students willing to work in Canada
Canadian Bureau of International Education recently revealed through a study that Canada is the utmost choice for international students. This is largely due to Canada’s safe, secure and tolerant reputation.
Therefore, Canada’s acceptance rate concerning international students is high. July’s report claims that students find it easier to move to Canada by obtaining a letter of acceptance from a DLI. According to them, this is the most convenient way of receiving approval to come to Canada.
International students can obtain permanent residence
International students can complete their study program and apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. A PGWP gives you the opportunity to work in any profession for a maximum of three years. However, the period will depend upon your study program’s length. When you work part-time with your studies, you must remember that this type of work experience won’t be calculated for your PR application. But you can rely on your PGWP work experience.
One year of work experience under your PGWP will count and provide you the eligibility to acquire permanent residence via an Express Entry stream.
