Canada increases off-campus work hours for Nigerian students, others

Canada has adjusted its regulations to allow eligible Nigerians and other international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic terms, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours.

Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, explained that the decision strikes a balance between enabling students to gain valuable work experience and ensuring their focus on academics remains intact.

“This change will give students more flexibility to manage their time and gain practical experience,” Miller stated.

The adjustment builds on a policy direction highlighted in October 2022, when Miller underscored the importance of work opportunities for international students.

At the time, he remarked, “With the economy growing at a faster rate than employers can hire new workers, Canada needs to look at every option so that we have the skills and workforce needed to fuel our growth.

“Immigration will be crucial to addressing our labour shortage. By allowing international students to work more while they study, we can help ease pressing needs in many sectors across the country while providing more opportunities for international students to gain valuable Canadian work experience and continue contributing to our short-term recovery and long-term prosperity.”

In addition to increasing the weekly work limit, the updated policy permits students to work full-time during academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays.

This measure is designed to help students boost their income without interfering with class schedules, enhancing their financial stability while they pursue their education.

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