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Until a few months ago, studying and working full time in Canadawas a considerable advantage for those who arrived as international students. It was in 2022 when the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC) allowed foreign students to work up to 40 hours a week. This represented a significant improvement in the work experience and economy of many; but with the new policies announced on April 30, this essential benefit of job It ended.
What advantage did international students lose in Canada in 2024?
Years before 2022, Canada allowed the international students work up to 20 hours a week (either inside or outside their school.) However, the economic crisis derived from COVID-19 urged authorities to incorporate more time into the workforce for foreign students. Thus, the fact of approving 40 hours per week of joballowed the various students to earn some extra money, as well as work experience for future advances in immigration matters.
However, Marc Miller (Minister of Immigration) announced this April 30 that, starting in the fall of 2024, the hours of job for the international studentsso they will only be able to work 23 hours a week. So, those who are currently working under a full-time schedule will have to resign or renegotiate their hours. job. And although Miller said that they will be able to take advantage of part of the summer to do their last full-time shifts, he assured that the international students They will hardly be considered for 40 hours again in the future (unless they graduate, of course:)
The students who come to Canada They must be here to study. As such, allowing students to work up to 23 hours per week will ensure that they focus primarily on their studies; and at the same time, they will still have the option to work, if they believe it is necessary. For now, we continue to develop the new Recognized Institutions Framework, this to reward post-secondary institutions that set high standards for international students talented.
What other changes have affected international students in Canada?
Although the IRCC cites much research pointing out that a student’s grades are affected when they work; Some testimonies from current students assure that this is a hard blow to their economy, since the job It helps them cover their own expenses and gain experience. And of course, the cut to their working hours jobis not the only recent change that has taken them by surprise.
In December 2023, Canada raised the income figure that new international students must prove; this, to demonstrate that they can cover their living costs in the country. So: if students travel alone, they must prove possession of at least $20,635 Canadian dollars annually; if you go as a couple, $25,690 Canadian dollars annually; and if they travel with children or other immediate family members, around 5,893 Canadian dollars are added per year for each extra member.
Another recent change is that the permissions of job open to spouses international studentswill only be available when they are enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs. Therefore, this benefit was eliminated for those at other study levels; including diploma or undergraduate programs. This implies that many reconsider their decision, or are forced to go alone to Canada.