International Students to Bolster Canada’s Workforce
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
News Release: Addressing Labor Shortages
During the ongoing economic recovery, employers are grappling with significant challenges in hiring and retaining workers. The Canadian government is actively implementing measures to meet these labor demands.
Temporary Change in Off-Campus Work Hours
Details of the New Policy
October 7, 2022—Ottawa—Minister Sean Fraser of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced a temporary suspension of the 20-hour-per-week cap on off-campus work for eligible post-secondary students during class sessions. This change will be effective from November 15, 2022, to December 31, 2023.
This initiative allows international students in Canada with off-campus work authorization to exceed the current work-hour limit. Students with pending study permit applications as of today will also benefit, contingent on application approval.
This policy aims to offer international students more work experience opportunities while supporting Canada’s post-pandemic economic expansion. Over 500,000 international students in Canada can now work additional hours, helping to alleviate labor shortages. Students must continue to balance work and study commitments, as those not maintaining full-time study status are ineligible for off-campus work.
Automation Pilot for Study Permit Extensions
In addition, IRCC is piloting automated processing for study permit extensions, targeting applications with high approval rates. This will expedite the process for some applicants, enhancing client service. A successful pilot could lead to broader implementation, reducing processing times and allowing officers to focus on complex cases.
Additional Initiatives for Students
Recent measures for international students include:
- Transition provisions for those studying online from abroad.
- An option for those with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits to obtain an additional 18-month open work permit.
IRCC continues to enhance the immigration system to reduce wait times, cut application backlogs, and improve the client experience.
Minister’s Statement
“With economic growth outpacing the hiring rate, Canada must explore all options to ensure we have the skills and workforce necessary for continued growth. Immigration is vital for tackling labor shortages. Allowing international students to work more helps meet immediate needs across sectors, offering students valuable work experience and contributing to our recovery and long-term prosperity.” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Facts
- International students with work authorization on their study permit can work on/off campus. Nearly half reported earning income during their studies.
- Previously, students could work up to 20 hours per week off-campus during sessions and full-time during breaks. On-campus work hours were unlimited.
- In 2022, over 452,000 study permit applications were processed by August, a 23% increase from 2021’s record year of 367,000 applications.
- IRCC processed nearly 119,000 study permit extensions in 2021 with a 97% approval rate. In 2022, over 135,000 were processed with a 96% approval rate.
- Applications for automated study permit extensions must meet specific criteria. Those outside the criteria will be manually reviewed, with officers making final decisions.
Related Resources
- A stronger immigration system that better serves newcomers
- Tackling immigration backlogs to help Canadian businesses grow
- Transition period for distance learning measures
- New measures for foreign nationals with expired or expiring post-graduation work permits and applicants to the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways
Contact Information
Media Contacts Only
Vincent Hughes
Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
vincent.hughes@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
IRCC.COMMMediaRelations-RelationsmediasCOMM.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
FAQs
How does the policy change benefit international students?
The temporary policy allows students to work more hours, giving them a chance to gain valuable work experience in Canada.
Is the automation pilot for all study permit extensions?
No, only specific applications meeting certain criteria will be automated; other applications will be manually reviewed.
Will the new measures affect students studying online?
Yes, measures include provisions for those studying online from abroad, aiding their transition.
What is the approval rate for study permit extensions?
In 2021, the approval rate was 97%, and in 2022, it remained high at 96%.
Where can I find more information on off-campus work?
Visit the official guide on working off-campus for international students.
For further details, Read our immigration guide.
