Employment hours for international students expand next month

Feds to lift some limits on international students CTV's Cory Nordstrom talks with international students in the Sault about the federal government lifting the cap on their hours of work.

Earlier in the week, CTV News reported on how hard inflation is hitting international students at Canada’s post-secondary institutions.

Some of those students are now relieved, after the federal government announced Friday they will lift the cap on work hours for international students.

Beginning Nov. 15, international students studying in Canada won't be limited in the number of hours they can work.

Many were excited by this news and international students in the Sault told CTV News they are glad they can soon work more than 20 hours per week off campus.

For years, many of these students have said they are forced to work in fast food or retail jobs due to the limitations placed on their hours and the study schedules.

“International students have a lot of time, free time. So we can do another jobs, such as jobs that need weekdays and they require more than 20 hours,” one student said.

Inflation has impacted everyone and these students were no exception. Officials with Algoma University believe this change is critical.

“Textbooks, food security, these are all major issues for students that impact their academics,” said Karen Hudson, the director of student success and well-being at the university.

“Our international students have been letting us know, letting the student union know that they need additional financial support.”

The county’s ministry of immigration said this will not only help students pay their bills, but it will also help fulfill the needs of employers.

"Grocery and rents of houses is too much high in Canada, so I think this could be very beneficial to students in Canada," said Sean Fraser, the federal minister for immigration, refugees and citizenship.

“Students are looking for more experience in their field of study. This allows them to apply for full-time jobs, instead of just accessing part time jobs available,” added Hudson.