To help battle COVID-19 in Canada, IRCC has announced that international students may now work more than 20 hours per week whle classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function.
Examples of essential services/functions include health care, critical infrastructure, food supply, or the supply of other critical goods.
The temporary change is effective immediately and will remain in place until August 31, 2020.
Normally, international students are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while attending their studies. The government’s announcement aims to provide critical industries with additional well-trained workers.
International students and their employers are advised to consult the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada’s Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the student’s work falls within this temporary rule change.
