What Are the Benefits of Canada’s New Work Limits for International Students?

Studying abroad comes with a lot of finance requirements, and expense needs, and asking money from your parents just doesn’t feel right. Especially when they have spent so much of their money to send you to Canada for studies, a country that is comparatively more expensive than others. 

That is where the need to manage your expenses rises, most of the students opt for some work on their weekends or post-study hours on weekdays. And this is absolutely fine, until you are able to manage your work schedule with your studies.

Well, if you are someone who has made up their mind to continue their studies in Canada, but don’t want to put a burden on their parents for finances. You have good news, related to part-time working in Canada. 

Now, the government of Canada has come up with an upgrade. An upgrade of rules that will now allow international students to work for 24 hours per week instead of 20 hours. 

Sounds of interest?

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits that you as an international student will be enjoying with Canada’s new work limit.

Benefits of Canada’s New Work Limits for International Students

Increased financial stability

Money is what gives you stability. If you have money, you don’t have to live on bare minimum. You don’t have to ask your parents, and also you don’t have to think multiple times before spending it. 

Studying abroad comes with a lot of expenses, and you can’t solely rely on your parents to provide you with everything whether it’s tuition fees, accommodation fees, transportation, and the daily living expenses that add up to your overall expenses. 

With the upgradation in work limit rule by the Canadian government, now you can earn more money. Or at least you can earn enough money to support yourself, to live properly, and manage your daily expenses. 

Let’s know, how this increase in work limit from 20 hours to 24 hours would help international students like you:

• it will help you to rely less on your student loan and your family for money.
• you will be able to cover your daily expenses quite easily.
• you can even earn enough money to save for yourself, and invest in some personal development opportunities. Which includes workshops, and some other certification courses.

In short, it reduces your stress for finances, and helps you live a comfortable life during your study stay in the country.

Enhanced work experience

Having a job while you are still studying gives you an overview of what exactly the corporate world looks like, and how things work. For a student it might look like a small job that only helps you and supports your finances, but it is not. 

It is a key that might open doors for corporate world opportunities for you. Working additional hours will in turn help in opening several opportunities for you to gain professional experience in the field. 

Doesn’t matter whether you work in the retail market, customer service, teaching assistant, or somewhere related to your field of study. Working gives you experience, which never gets wasted; it gives you exposure to workplace dynamics. 

Let me give you an overview of how having experience helps you:

• work experience helps you gain soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
• helps you in building a well maintained portfolio that will in turn help you in getting into a job you dream of. As most of the job profiles ask for work experienced individuals, so having work experience will help you stand out.
• provides you with insights into Canadian work culture, which is of great help if you wish to settle in Canada after your post-graduation.

Better networking opportunities

Working individuals interact with a variety of people in their workplace, and also beyond that. Your workplace gives you a lot of opportunities including the one to make connections, when I say connection I mean genuine connections. 

Genuine connections are like a staircase that helps you in your career development. You get to know about the job openings, the potential opportunities that most people might overlook sometimes.

Let’s know more, about how the upgradation in working hours for international students can be helpful in better networking:

• opportunity to make meaningful connections with industry experts.
• you can get career advice, and mentorship from the professional already serving in the field.
• networking will help you tap the new job openings and internship opportunities that are not always publicly advertised.

Reduced pressure on family for financial need

Let me make it simple for you, more hours of working is equal to more money. The initiative to send your child to study abroad is in itself an expensive decision, and the never ending need for finances.

That is why, now the government of Canada has upgraded the rules for students seeking financial support. They have now extended the working hours from 20 hours to 24 hours per week for international students. 

Here’s how earning additional income can help your stay in Canada:

• It lightens the burden of financial support on your family back home.
• helps you to become responsible for your finances.
• additional income gives you a sense of independence, and accountability for your expenses.

Opportunity for skill development

No doubt additional income will make your mind at ease, and you can spend money on your necessities without stressing. But it is not all, with additional income, more working hours you get the opportunity to develop your soft skills. 

As an international student living in Canada, you can use these extra working hours to:

• learn skills that will be useful in your academic knowledge.
• helps in gaining confidence in a professional setting, which in turn helps in preparing you for your future job role.

Also, employers prefer individuals with academic achievements and practical skills.

A step towards permanent residency

Having a job while you are studying in Canada, opens doors for your permanent residency in the country. Gaining work experience during their studies enhances their eligibility for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under the Express Entry system.

Conclusion

University students can work both on-campus, as well as off-campus to fund their daily expenses. Some of the on-campus jobs include library assistant, lab assistant, teacher’s assistant, and even research assistant. On the other hand, off-campus jobs include job profiles like delivery services, reception jobs, and many more. 

However, a student needs to balance a life between his academics and his work life. Studies come first, make sure you focus on academics even if you have work to do. Consider the tips mentioned in this blog to get a part-time job as per your preference and knowledge.