On 15 November, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller confirmed that new regulations impacting the country’s International Student Program have taken effect. These include a change to the number of hours international students may work off-campus, updates to rules surrounding changing learning institutions and additional requirements for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).
Longer off-campus work hours
Eligible international students can now work up to 24 hours per week off campus while their classes are in session. To work off campus without a work permit, students must be studying full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational or professional training program (or a vocational training program at the secondary level offered in Quebec). This program must last at least six months and lead to a degree, diploma or certificate.
Earlier this year, the government announced plans to raise the number of off-campus working hours for international students from 20 hours to 24, but a date had not been set for implementation.
“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,” commented Miller.
Originally, the off-campus work limit was 20 hours a week. However, during the pandemic, this was temporarily increased to 40 hours to address the country’s labour shortage and provide foreigners with more earning opportunities. The temporary policy ended on 30 April this year, bringing back the 20-hour cap.
Like previous rules, the cap only applies when classes are in session. International students who are eligible to work off-campus may continue to work on- or off-campus full-time during breaks in the academic year, such as summer or winter breaks.
New study permit requirement for changing institutions
Moving forward, international students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. Previously, students could do this on the same study permit as long as they updated their IRCC online account with the new information.
In its statement, IRCC explained: “This change is in line with the important work we have been doing to strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program.”
Stricter DLI compliance
The Canadian government is also doubling down on student compliance reporting for Designated Learning Institutions, or DLIs – institutions approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Twice a year, DLIs are expected to submit a report to IRCC that indicates whether each study permit holder in their institution is still enrolled. No longer enrolled students may be investigated and face enforcement action for breaking study permit conditions.
DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters may face consequences. They could be suspended from welcoming new international students for up to a year for failing to provide the required information.
“These improvements will provide greater oversight while supporting international students and safeguarding their academic experiences in Canada,” said the IRCC.
Notably, DLIs in Quebec have a grace period before they are required to comply with the reporting requirement. To date, DLIs in Quebec have not participated in student compliance reporting. The province and the IRCC have yet to set up a reporting system for Quebec DLIs.
The changes that have taken effect were designed to ensure that Canada’s International Student program remains sustainable. These measures also help protect students from abuse within the system. “International students should have a positive, successful experience in Canada, and the important changes made today will help with that,” said Miller.
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