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International Students in Canada can now Work 24 Hours Off-Campus per week
Effective November 8, 2024, international students in Canada can now work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during regular academic terms without requiring a work permit. This update provides students with greater flexibility to gain valuable work experience while supporting their education. By allowing students to work more hours, this change aims to foster financial independence and help students build professional skills that enhance their resumes.
However, specific eligibility requirements and conditions apply. Here’s what you need to know to ensure compliance while making the most of your work opportunities.
Eligibility to Work Off-Campus
You can work off-campus without a work permit if:
- You’re a full-time student at a designated learning institution (DLI).
- You’re enrolled in:
- A post-secondary program (academic, vocational, or professional training) or
- A secondary-level vocational program (Quebec only).
- Your study program is:
- At least 6 months long and
- Leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- You’ve already started studying.
- You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
Part-time students can also work if:
- It’s your final semester, and you don’t need a full course load to graduate.
- You were a full-time student for the duration of your program in Canada, up until your final semester.
Work Hours Guidelines
1. During Regular Semesters:
- You can work up to 24 hours per week.
- You may hold multiple jobs as long as your combined hours don’t exceed the limit.
2. During Scheduled Breaks:
- Unlimited hours are allowed (e.g., winter and summer holidays).
- You can take courses part-time or full-time during the break while still working full-time.
3. Programs Without Scheduled Breaks:
- You must adhere to the 24-hour weekly limit throughout the year.
Important:
Exceeding the 24-hour weekly limit during regular terms is a violation of your study permit and can lead to serious consequences, including losing your student status or having to leave Canada.
Who Can’t Work Off-Campus?
You’re not eligible to work off-campus if:
- Your study permit explicitly states that you’re not authorized to work.
- You’re only enrolled in:
- English/French as a second language (ESL/FSL) programs.
- General interest courses.
- Prerequisite courses for admission into a full-time program.
- You’re on an authorized leave from your studies or transitioning between schools.
Working After Completing Your Program
You may work full-time if:
- You’ve applied for a work permit (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit) before your study permit expires.
- You’re starting a new study program within 150 days of completing your current program.
Social Insurance Number (SIN)
A SIN is mandatory to work in Canada. Ensure your study permit includes work authorization conditions, such as:
- “May work 24 hours per week off campus…” or
- “May accept employment on or off campus…”
If your study permit lacks these conditions, request an amendment at no extra cost.
Compliance and Responsibility
International students must:
- Track their work hours.
- Ensure they remain eligible to work under their study permit conditions.
- Actively pursue their studies.
Conclusion
These updated rules open up new opportunities for international students to gain work experience and support their studies. However, staying informed about eligibility requirements and conditions is crucial to maintaining your student status.
For further assistance, contact your institution’s international student office or consult the Government of Canada website.
Source: Government of Canada
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PGWP Extension 2024: Latest News and Updates on New Rules for International Students in Canada
As Canada continues to be a top destination for international students, changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program are set to take effect on November 1, 2024. These updates aim to enhance the integration of international graduates into the Canadian workforce by introducing new language proficiency requirements and aligning work permit eligibility with Canada’s labor market needs.
In this blog, we’ll break down the key changes in the PGWP program for 2024 and explain what they mean for international students looking to work and settle in Canada.
1. New Language Proficiency Requirements
One of the most significant changes to the PGWP program is the introduction of language proficiency requirements. Starting November 1, 2024, international students applying for a PGWP must meet specific language benchmarks to qualify. The Canadian government has introduced these changes to ensure graduates have the necessary communication skills to thrive in their post-graduate work experience and transition smoothly into permanent residency.
- University Graduates: Must meet a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
- College Graduates: Must meet a CLB level of 5.
This update will help improve the language skills of international graduates, allowing them to better integrate into the Canadian workplace. In turn, this makes them more competitive when applying for immigration programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), which often requires language proficiency.
2. Focus on Long-Term Labour Market Needs
In addition to language requirements, the 2024 PGWP rules focus on aligning the program with Canada’s long-term labor market needs. International students graduating from fields of study linked to occupations experiencing long-term shortages will be eligible for a PGWP of up to three years.
This strategic move ensures that Canada’s immigration system continues to meet the country’s evolving workforce demands, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and skilled trades. While the exact list of targeted occupations for the PGWP has not yet been finalized, the focus will likely include the following:
- 35 healthcare occupations
- 25 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) occupations
- 10 trade occupations
- 10 transportation occupations
- 3 agriculture and agri-food occupations
3. Superimposing Previous Changes
These new updates will replace the previous changes introduced earlier in 2024, which allowed master’s graduates to be eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of the program’s duration. With the new November 2024 rules, students will need to meet both language proficiency and field of study requirements to qualify.
4. Long-Term Implications for International Students
The new PGWP rules mark a shift toward a more selective process, targeting graduates with the skills and language abilities that align with Canada’s immigration and labor market goals.
For international students, this means increased emphasis on language preparation and academic excellence before applying for a work permit. Graduates who meet the updated criteria will not only gain valuable Canadian work experience but will also improve their chances of transitioning to permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Understanding CLB Levels and How They Affect PGWP Applicants
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is the national standard used in Canada to measure language proficiency. It evaluates four key areas: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. CLB levels range from 1 to 12, with higher numbers representing more advanced language abilities.
- CLB 7 (for university graduates): Equivalent to a 6 in each module of IELTS or 7 in CELPIP.
- CLB 5 (for college graduates): Equivalent to 4-5 bands in reading and 5 in the rest of the modules in IELTS or 5 in CELPIP.
The introduction of these CLB requirements means that international graduates must demonstrate their language proficiency in order to qualify for a PGWP. While a CLB 7 indicates a strong grasp of English, suitable for high-skilled roles, CLB 5 reflects a basic level of proficiency sufficient for work in certain sectors.
Conclusion
The upcoming changes to the PGWP program, set to take effect on November 1, 2024, represent a significant shift in how Canada manages international student work permits. The introduction of new language proficiency requirements and a focus on long-term labor market needs shows that Canada is prioritizing skilled graduates who can contribute effectively to the economy.
For international students, the PGWP extension 2024 latest news underscores the importance of being well-prepared in both academic and language proficiency areas. Those who meet the new criteria will have a better chance of not only securing a PGWP but also transitioning to permanent residency in Canada.
Stay informed about the latest PGWP updates and take the necessary steps to ensure you meet the evolving standards. The PGWP remains a valuable pathway to Canadian permanent residency, but only for those who are prepared to meet the new requirements.
Source: Immigration News Canada
