Indian students in Canada, who represent the largest cohort of international students, are anticipated to encounter substantial financial difficulties due to a recent federal regulation imposing a limit of 24 hours of off-campus work per week. This regulation, effective this week, marks a significant shift from the pandemic-era policy that had suspended work hour caps to address a labor shortage. Under the new rule, international students face a weekly work-hour ceiling that is four hours greater than the previous limit of 20 hours. The pandemic-era waiver of work-hour restrictions expired on April 30. Despite this increase, many international students, who have become accustomed to working without limits, find the new cap restrictive.
It is important to note that work hours during academic breaks, such as summer and winter vacations, are not limited. In 2022, out of 550,000 international students in Canada, 226,000 were from India. Of the 320,000 Indian students in Canada on student visas, many contribute to the economy as gig workers. Off-campus employment is crucial for Indian students to manage living expenses, including groceries and accommodation. The new 24-hour work limit translates to three part-time weekly shifts, given that most standard shifts last eight hours. This reduction poses significant challenges for covering living costs, particularly in high-expense cities such as Toronto.
In response to the new rule, Neeva Phatarphekar, an international student at York University in Toronto, expressed concerns about managing her rent, groceries, and other expenses. “Balancing rent, groceries, dining out, and travel will be difficult under this new cap,” she told CBC News. Phatarphekar has already taken steps to mitigate her expenses by moving in with friends and transitioning from a public relations certificate at York University to a brand management program at Seneca College.
Deepa Mattoo, Executive Director and Lawyer at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic highlighted the necessity of income for many international students. “Many students rely on additional income to afford their education. An equity framework must be considered in any policy changes,” Mattoo stated.
Conversely, Moshe Lander, Economics Professor at Concordia University in Montreal, questioned whether the 24-hour work limit is adequate given the demands of academic study. “There is concern that this limit might compromise students’ ability to focus on their courses, potentially affecting the overall quality of education,” Lander remarked. He added that students may prioritize work over their studies, which could undermine educational outcomes. The new regulation introduces significant adjustments for international students, who must navigate the dual pressures of academic commitments and financial constraints.
