Canada continues to be a preferred destination for international students due to its world-class education system, welcoming society, and diverse work opportunities. With the introduction of a new policy allowing international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus, Canada has enhanced its appeal as a study destination.
This blog will explore why students choose Canada and the benefits this new policy brings to their academic and professional journeys.
• Canada’s New Policy: Work While You Study
Canada has recently unveiled a policy allowing international students to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions. This new rule, introduced by Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, aims to strike the right balance between providing work opportunities and ensuring students remain focused on their education.
Previously, international students could only work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, but the increased limit provides more flexibility. Students can now better manage their financial needs and balance work with their academic commitments. The new rule allows eligible students to work full-time during academic breaks, such as the summer or winter holidays.
Moreover, this adjustment gives students more freedom to gain Canadian work experience, which is often crucial for securing post-graduation employment opportunities.
• High-Quality Education System
Canada is renowned for its exceptional education system, with universities such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia consistently ranking among the top in the world. The country offers a diverse range of programs across various fields, ensuring students can pursue their academic interests at the highest level.
A Canadian degree is highly respected globally, making it a valuable asset for future career opportunities.
• Affordable Education and Living Costs
Compared to other popular study destinations like the United States, the UK, or Australia, Canada provides a more affordable education without compromising quality. While tuition fees vary by institution and program, international students generally find that Canada offers good value for money.
There are scholarships and financial aid are also available in Canada, making education available to a wider range of students.
Living costs in Canada are also more affordable in comparison to other developed countries, particularly in smaller cities or towns.
• Multicultural Environment and Welcoming Society
Canada’s multiculturalism is one of its greatest assets. Students from all over the world choose Canada because they are welcomed into a diverse and inclusive society. This environment fosters cross-cultural exchanges, making international students feel at home and supported during their studies.
• Work Opportunities for International Students
One of the major draws for international students is the opportunity to work while studying. With the recent change to allow up to 24 hours per week of off-campus work, students can now better manage their time between academics and employment.
This allows students to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can help them transition into the workforce after graduation.
Canada also offers a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows international graduates to work in Canada for up to three years after completing their studies. This program is a significant pathway to obtaining permanent residency, as Canadian work experience is a key factor in immigration programs such as Express Entry.
• Regulations and Reporting for Educational Institutions
To ensure students remain focused on their studies, designated educational institutions (DLI) are required to report to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) twice a year. This ensures that all study permit holders are actively enrolled in their programs, preventing any misuse of work permits. Additionally, international students can no longer change their DLI without applying for and receiving approval for a new study permit.
• Quebec’s Work Rules for International Students
In Quebec, students can work off-campus without a separate work permit. However, they must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or in a vocational training program at the secondary level.
The program must last at least six months and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Quebec’s unique education and work policies further enhance its attractiveness as a study destination within Canada.
• Pathways to Permanent Residency
Canada’s immigration system is one of the most student-friendly in the world. Many students prefer Canada because it offers golden opportunity and easiest pathways that leads permanent residency. Programs like Express Entry, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provide students with opportunities to transition from temporary to permanent residents after gaining work experience through the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
The 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan outlines Canada’s approach to immigration in the coming years, with a focus on aligning the temporary resident population with temporary resident programs. This includes adjusting immigration levels and ensuring that pathways for students remain viable.
• Safety and Quality of Life
Canada is also the safest country which stands among the safest countries in the world. Its low crime rates, peaceful environment, and political stability make it an attractive destination for students who prioritize safety. Additionally, Canada offers a high quality of life, with access to excellent healthcare, a clean environment, and plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
• Post-Graduation Success and Employment Opportunities
Canada’s strong economy and growing industries provide excellent job prospects for graduates. Fields such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and environmental sciences are rapidly expanding, creating a demand for skilled workers. The opportunity to gain work experience during and after studies gives international students a competitive edge in the Canadian job market.
Conclusion
Canada’s recent policy allowing international students to work up to 24 hours per week, along with its world-class education system, diverse culture, and accessible pathways to permanent residency, and Canada is the most favorable and one of the most attractive study destinations in the world.
With the freedom to work more hours, students can now better support themselves financially, gain valuable work experience, and improve their chances of staying in Canada after graduation.
Canada’s commitment to international students through innovative policies, affordable education, and clear immigration pathways ensures that it will remain a top choice for students seeking a bright academic and professional future.
