Indian students in Canada, who constitute the largest group of international students, are facing new financial pressures due to a recent federal policy that caps off-campus work hours at 24 per week. This regulation, effective this month, marks a shift from pandemic-era rules that temporarily lifted work-hour restrictions to help alleviate labor shortages.
While the reinstated limit is a slight increase from the pre-pandemic cap of 20 hours per week, it still imposes a significant constraint for students who have become accustomed to working without limits. The previous work-hour waiver expired on April 30, leading to the reinstatement of restrictions but with a slight extension.
Despite the four-hour increase, many international students find the cap restrictive. Indian students, who make up a substantial portion of the international student body—2.26 lakh of the 5.5 lakh in 2022—are particularly affected. These students, many of whom work in gig roles, depend on off-campus jobs to fund their living expenses, such as groceries and rent, especially in costly cities like Toronto.
The new rule effectively limits students to three standard 8-hour shifts per week, which is challenging for those already struggling to meet high living costs. The Canadian government recently raised the minimum wage to 17.36 CAD per hour in May, up from 16.65 CAD in early 2023, yet this increase may not sufficiently offset the reduced work hours.
Student concerns are widespread. Neeva Phatarphekar, a student in Toronto, shared her worries about managing basic expenses under the new rule, citing high rent and daily costs. In response, she has already moved in with friends to reduce housing costs.
Advocates like Deepa Mattoo, executive director of the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, stress the necessity of work for international students. “Not every student can afford their education without supplementary income,” she explained, emphasizing the need for a fair system that considers students’ financial realities.
However, some educators, such as Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University, question whether even 24 hours is too much for students juggling academic responsibilities. “I’m skeptical that 24 hours is manageable without compromising educational focus,” Lander noted, suggesting that increased work hours might detract from the quality of education as students prioritize earning over learning.
Though no restrictions apply during school breaks like summer or winter, the policy shift will significantly impact the financial stability of many students during the academic term.
