Work authorization restrictions to be temporarily lifted for foreign students

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Canadian government has announced that it will temporarily lift its limit on off-campus work hours for study permit holders.

Key Points:

• Beginning Nov. 15, 2022, to Dec. 31, 2023, study permit holders who are in Canada and have off-campus work authorization will be able to work more than 20 hours per week.
• Until Nov. 15, study permit holders who have off-campus work authorization are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.
• Foreign students who are not currently in Canada but have submitted a study permit application will be able to work more than 20 hours per week off campus after Nov. 14.

Additional Information: Canadian authorities are launching a pilot program to automate the processing of study permit extension applications this month. The program will initially be available to a small group of applicants who could see their study permit extension processed more quickly. If the pilot is successful, the program will be made available to more foreign students to reduce application processing times.

BAL Analysis: The Canadian government lifted the limit on off-campus work hours to help address labor market shortages and help foreign students gain work experience in Canada. BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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