International Students Fear Challenges Ahead
with New 24-Hour Work Limit

Los Angeles/Sept 04, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/A.Gary Singh

International students in Toronto are bracing for the impact of a new federal rule set to limit their off-campus work hours to 24 per week during school terms, according to students and advocates. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced last spring that the rule would take effect in September. However, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the exact timeline for implementation is still being finalized, with the changes expected this fall.

Current Regulations for International Students:

Students can work up to 20 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.
During scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays, students are allowed to work full-time—a provision that will remain even after the new 24-hour cap is introduced.
Minister Miller previously explained that the 24-hour work limit is intended to help students prioritize their studies while still offering them the opportunity to earn income. "Students who wish to come here should understand that they can work only 24 hours a week to cover some costs or bring their own resources," Miller stated on April 29.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government temporarily lifted the 20-hour work cap for international students to address labor shortages. However, this waiver expired on April 30.

Although the precise implementation date for the new rules is uncertain, international students, already struggling with the high cost of living, are anticipating further difficulties. Neeva Phatarphekar, an international student in Toronto who had been working 40 hours a week, expressed concern about the upcoming cap, noting it will make it harder to meet her financial obligations. She recently reduced her living expenses in preparation for the change. "It's going to be challenging with rent, groceries, social activities, and travel. It's going to be incredibly tough and stressful," she said.

Impact on Ontario Public Colleges: Federal study permit data obtained by CBC News indicates that a few public colleges and universities in Ontario are responsible for the majority of Canada's rapid increase in international students. These institutions could face significant consequences due to the new study permit cap.

Phatarphekar mentioned that she has already moved to a smaller apartment with two friends to save on rent and is cutting back on groceries and dining out. She also pointed out that the new rule prevents her from seeking full-time employment, which had provided her with financial stability. "I feel more secure when I have financial support, which helps me focus on my studies without worrying about rent or food," she added.

Deepa Mattoo, executive director and lawyer at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, which assists international students who have experienced gender-based violence, emphasized that many international students rely on income from work to afford their education. "Not every student can afford school without additional income. Any policy should consider equity," she said.
Concerns About the 24-Hour Limit: Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University in Montreal, questioned whether 24 hours is the right limit, given the demands of post-secondary education. "As an instructor, I'm skeptical that 24 hours allows students to focus adequately on their courses," he noted, adding that the cap might diminish the quality of education and the value of degrees.

Immigration Minister Miller reiterated in an April 29 news release that the 24-hour cap was developed with student needs in mind, considering policies in other countries and research showing that excessive work hours can negatively affect academic performance.

"We need to support international students, ensuring they are set up for success and focused on their studies," Miller said.