Work Hour Increase Amid Cost Concerns Among International Students in Canada

Key Points:

1. According to Canada new rule for international students working hours, the number has increased from 20 to 24 hours per week from September. 

2. The international students on Prince Edward Island have expressed concerns that this rise in working hours will not help them cover their cost of living.

3. The Federal Immigration Minister emphasized that the primary purpose of international students in the country is to study, not work. 

4. Although limiting the work hours may be helpful in enhancing the academic performance of the students, it might have a negative impact on the international student enrollment. 

In the recent Canada student working hours news, student groups on Prince Edward Island have embraced increased working hours for international students. This is applicable from September onwards. However, the debate remains on whether Canada new rules for international students working hours and an increase in the time will actually help them in covering the cost of living. This is a prime discussion at the moment as the waiver that allowed students to take up full-time jobs during the pandemic has expired. This has led to the reinstatement of the 20-hour work cap till September. Hence, from September onwards, Canada international students can work more than 20 hours as it is meant to increase to 24 hours per week.

Divya Daboo of the UPEI Student Union acknowledges that while the increase will help, many jobs available to students are minimum wage and may not be sufficient. Muriel Kembou, student committee president at Collège de l'Île, also believes that the increase in working hours for part time jobs in Canada for international students might only encourage students to focus on their studies. Although they also acknowledge that the students can still continue feeling the load of financial constraints. 

“The primary purpose of international students in Canada is to study, not work.” - Federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller.  

Although there are some academic benefits of limiting Canada international student work hours, it can impact student enrollment manifold, suggests Sylvain Gagné, president of Collège de l'Île. The recent cap on student permits in Canada, which the Federal Government implements in Canada, has already impacted student enrollment in Canada’s top universities. 

TL;DR

The increased Canada international student work hours have been embraced by the student groups on Prince Edward Island. However, the primary concern behind this change is whether this would help students manage their cost of living expenses efficiently. The increase in work hours from 20-24 hours per week is ready to be implemented in September this year. While some believe the increase could promote more focus on studies, others worry about financial strain. Federal Immigration Minister emphasizes studying as the primary purpose of international student programs. College presidents acknowledge academic benefits but express concerns about potential impacts on international student enrollment due to recent policy changes.