- Canada reintroduces a 24-hour weekly cap on off-campus work for international students.
- Indian students, the largest group, face financial strain in cities like Toronto.
- Minimum wage increase to CAD 17.36 may not offset rising living costs under the new rule.
Canada’s decision to reinstate a cap on off-campus work hours for international students is set to impact Indian students the most.
With over 320,000 Indian students contributing to the Canadian economy, many rely on part-time jobs to cover their living expenses. The new 24-hour work limit, though slightly more than the previous 20-hour cap, is seen as restrictive, especially for students living in high-cost cities like Toronto.
Financial Challenges Loom for Indian Students in Canada Amid New Work Restrictions
While international students can work unrestricted during school breaks, the limited hours during the academic term present challenges. Despite a rise in the minimum wage to CAD 17.36, students find it difficult to meet their financial obligations. Many, like Neeva Phatarphekar, have had to cut back on expenses or find cheaper housing, emphasizing that work is a necessity, not a choice, for many international students.
Living in expensive cities like Toronto exacerbates the financial challenges for Indian students. The new work-hour limit forces students to work fewer shifts, limiting their ability to earn enough to pay for rent, groceries, and other necessities. Despite a minimum wage increase to CAD 17.36 per hour, this cap makes it harder to make ends meet, particularly for students with limited financial support.
The Canadian government has tried to strike a balance between academic priorities and the financial needs of international students. However, critics argue that this policy does not take into account the realities of high living costs and the necessity of part-time work. The additional four hours per week is a small concession but may not be enough to alleviate the financial burden for students in major cities.
Moreover, many students have had to adapt by cutting back on expenses, finding cheaper accommodations, or working more hours during school breaks when restrictions do not apply. This situation underscores the financial tightrope that international students walk as they pursue their education in Canada. Without enough work hours, students may struggle to maintain a balance between their studies and financial survival.
The reintroduction of work-hour restrictions in Canada leaves many international students, especially from India, grappling with tough choices between their education and financial stability. These students will have to navigate rising costs with limited income opportunities, a situation that could require further policy adjustments.
“Not every student can afford to go to school without that extra income. In any structure, you have to have an equity framework.” – Deepa Mattoo, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
