In a move likely to impact thousands of international students, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that eligible students can now work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week without needing a separate work permit. This decision marks a significant policy shift, offering much-needed flexibility to students balancing academics with financial independence.
The announcement comes amid Canada's evolving immigration landscape, which has seen recent measures like changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program and the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) scheme. These adjustments aim to better align with labour market needs and stabilize the influx of foreign students.
Amid these policy shifts, Canada remains a top destination for Indian students pursuing higher education. However, there are signs of declining numbers. A CBC News report highlighted a 20 percent drop in study permit holders this June compared to the same period in 2023. Between January and July 2024, Canada welcomed 107,385 Indian students on study permits, underscoring a sustained, though slightly reduced, interest in Canadian institutions.
This new work policy is expected to provide international students with greater financial flexibility while addressing Canada's ongoing labour shortages. As Canada tightens its immigration policies, this initiative stands out as a positive step toward supporting the academic and economic aspirations of international students.
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