December 7th 2023, Ottawa - Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made an announcement surrounding the International Student Program. International students have anxiously awaited news surrounding the impending reinstatement of the off-campus work hour cap, and today’s announcement will quell some of their concerns.
IRCC has extended the waiver on the 20-hour limit for off-campus work while class is in session until April 30, 2024. This extension will allow international students to work more than 20 hours off-campus through the remainder of the school year and until August 31, 2024. This announcement aligns with recent recommendations and data shared by CASA with the minister. CASA thanks the minister for making a decision that reflects the success of the pilot to date, the financial concerns of international students, and the importance of protecting international students from exploitation.
While the prospective permanent 30-hour limit explored by the Minister in his announcement would not fully meet CASA’s expectations, it would be an improvement to the pre-existing 20-hour limit. CASA welcomes the opportunity to continue conversations with IRCC as it determines a permanent policy.
“International students have been facing the harsh realities of the cost of living crisis in Canada, and the temporary removal of the off-campus work hour cap has been a major lifeline for many. Today’s announcement from the Hon. Marc Miller provides these students with temporary room to breath. CASA has been advocating for a permanent removal of the cap, ensuring international students can support themselves and their academic goals in Canada.” - Mateusz Salmassi, Director of Advocacy for CASA.
CASA is pleased to see the government recognize the issues that international students are facing with regards to the cost of living crisis. This temporary extension of off-campus work hours will help many international students as permanent solutions are developed.
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About CASA
Established in 1995, the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations is a non-partisan, not-for-profit national student organization composed of 25 student associations across the country. Through our partnership with the Quebec Student Union/Union étudiante du Québec, CASA represents 365,000 post-secondary students across Canada.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Canadian Alliance of Student Associations
Max Greer
Communications and Creative Content Officer
(289)-214-8608
