In a bid to address the rapid expansion of the foreign student program, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government has announced a reduction in the number of hours international students can work off campus. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed on Monday that the temporary policy implemented during labor shortages in 2022, which permitted foreign students to work full-time, will be coming to an end. This decision comes amidst concerns that the previous allowance of unlimited work hours was leading to a surge in demand for foreign student visas, potentially compromising their academic focus.
The new regulation will see foreign students restricted to working a maximum of 24 hours per week, starting in September. The objective is to ensure that students prioritize their studies while still allowing them the opportunity to work if necessary, as expressed in a statement from the Immigration Minister's department. Notably, when academic breaks occur during the summer session for Canadian colleges and universities, students will have the flexibility to work unlimited hours.
Minister Miller highlighted that approximately 80% of foreign students were exceeding the previous 20-hour weekly cap on work hours. This change comes after pressure from various stakeholders, including big-box stores and student groups, who advocated for the retention of full-time work privileges for foreign students. The Retail Council of Canada specifically lobbied for a permanent regulation permitting 30 hours of work per week while classes are in session.
This move is just one component of the government's broader strategy to manage the substantial increase in the temporary resident population in Canada. Alongside the work hour restrictions for foreign students, Trudeau's government has committed to establishing an overall cap on this demographic, limiting foreign student visas, and introducing a more stringent framework for the colleges and universities receiving permits. These measures are designed to better regulate and optimize the benefits of the foreign student program in the Canadian context.