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International students in Canada can work more than 20 hours per week. This announcement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in October 2022 broke the earlier weekly limit of just 20 hours. And the news has sparked joy for international students since they can earn more. In fact, increased part-time working hours can boost your CRS points while applying for a Canada PR. Want to know how? Hop in and let’s explore!
What’s the BIG news and why?
International students in Canada can now work off-campus for over 20 hours per week. This has come into effect from 15th October 2022 and will extend till end of 2023. Canada’s immigration minister has highlighted these changes to alleviate the labour shortage in the country. Nevertheless, IRCC is also keen that students must focus on academics as well.
What’s the benefit?
Students look at this announcement as a move to support themselves financially for academic and living expenses. Earlier, students could do part-time work in Canada for 20 per week and can work full-time during academic breaks. Notably, most international students in Canada work part-time during their academics.
Also read – How to get a Permanent Residency after studying in Canada?
How part-time work in Canada can help you for obtaining a PR?
The total work hours spent during your part-time jobs will be counted when you apply for a Canada Permanent Residency. In that case, you must enrol in a one-year full-time program. Here’s how your part-time work in Canada are converted to full-time work hours:
| Hours of work | Full-time hours calculated |
| 15 hours/week for 24 months | 1 year full-time (1,560 hours) |
| 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job | 1 year full-time (1,560 hours) |
So, the 20+ hours per week can eventually speed up your chance of getting a PR.
These work hours will be validated for your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) point. The CRS points boost your profile when you apply for a PR through the Express Entry program under the Canadian Experience class.
Statistics also highlight that international students who get a Permanent Residency in Canada fit quickly into the labour market. And this is because of their Canadian work experience and education.
Who is eligible to work-off campus for 20+ hours/week?
You can do part-time work in Canada if you’re:
- Currently studying in Canada and are eligible to work off-campus
- Applied for a study permit and ready to begin your studies
- Future international student starting education before end of 2023
What are the PR pathways for international students in Canada?
Firstly, you must apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) once you graduate. The duration of PGWP is usually the same as your study program. Once you earn work experience with a PGWP, you can apply for Canadian PR under the Express Entry program.
Here are the PR pathways:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
4. Quebec Immigration Programs
Choose the best pathway to get a Canada PR. Do you need guidance? Talk to the overseas education experts now!
Part-time work in Canada for more than 20 hours per week is indeed attracting even more students to the country. Make your dreams to study in Canada happen with CanApprove. Get expert assistance for course & college selection, study visa, SOP and more! Contact CanApprove now!
