Canada will lift the 20-hour week limit on which international students can work off-campus, Secretary of State for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser announced on Friday, citing the country’s labor shortage. Did.
Canada’s vacancy rate was 5.4% in July, compared to his peak of 6.0% in April 2022.
“In most communities in Canada, there are more job opportunities than workers,” Fraser told reporters, noting that while some international students work in the hospitality sector, some international students work in their fields of study. He added that he hopes to find a job in the area of study.
The new policy, set to go into effect from November 15 through the end of 2023, will only apply to full-time students, he said. students said the 20-hour cap made them vulnerable to exploitation, with many working long hours without protection.
Fraser said removing the cap would give students more choice in employment opportunities and make them less likely to fall prey to “rogue employers.”
In practice, it will create better opportunities for students to avoid falling victim to a single employer they may be obliged to. It increasingly relies on temporary immigrants, including international students, to meet needs, which advocates and economists say could create precarious jobs and reduce wages and working conditions for all workers.
The increase in temporary residents is particularly strong for students studying abroad, making Canada an increasingly desirable destination for international students who often come with the intention of eventually obtaining permanent residency. It is
Fraser said it was working to improve permanent residency routes for international students and illegal immigrants, but did not give details.
