October 07, 2022
Canada Relaxes Labour-Hour Restrictions for International Students
A As of November 15, the Canadian government will temporarily lift the restriction on the number of hours that foreign students may work there, said Canada's immigration minister. According to sources, the action is an effort to address Canada's labour shortages at a time when the nation is experiencing its lowest rate of unemployment on record and nearly one million job openings remain unfilled.
International students are currently only permitted to work 20 hours per week, but in light of the rising cost of living, student organisations have renewed their calls for this restriction to be removed.
…the change would help sustain Canada's post-pandemic growth and would provide a boost to thousands of employers looking to add to their staff for the upcoming holiday season, particularly in sectors that are facing the most severe labour shortages...
At a press conference today, immigration minister Sean Fraser stated that the change would help sustain Canada's post-pandemic growth and would provide a boost to thousands of employers looking to add to their staff for the upcoming holiday season, particularly in sectors that are facing the most severe labour shortages.
Additionally, it will give many post-secondary students a better chance to support themselves and gain experience in Canada—often in their area of study as well.
The new policy will give students "choice and flexibility," according to Vinitha Gengatharan, assistant vice president for global engagement and partnerships at York University, but work must be balanced with "professional and personal goals."
The new policy will be in effect until December 31, 2023, though the minister made a suggestion that it might be changed.
Additional work hours will be taken into account when applying for future post-study visas, the minister further confirmed.
Posted in News and tagged News, Canada, International Students, Labour Shortages, Immigration, Employer, York University
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