Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) are temporarily lifting the limit to off-campus work hours for eligible non-UBC students

International Students from Designated Learning Institutions (DLI’s) were previously restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week off-campus when their program is in session and they hold a valid Study Permit. On October 7, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced the temporary lifting of the 20-hour-per-week cap to address labour shortages in Canada.  From November 15, 2022 to December 31, 2023, eligible international students may work unlimited hours off campus. The eligibility to work criteria for Students are set out here IRCC Regulation 186(f) and (v) and it is sub-paragraph 186(v)(iii) that will be temporarily suspended for students. Students must have the work condition “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting the eligibility criteria” listed on their Study Permit if they intend to work.

Hiring Managers can hire non-UBC students into term positions with unlimited hours when the following conditions have been be met:

• hold a valid (in-date) Study Permit that contains the condition that confirms “May accept employment on or off campus if meeting the eligibility criteria”
• declaration from the student (in writing) that they will remain actively engaged in the full-time course of study associated with their valid Study Permit
• declaration from the student (in writing) that they will not take an authorized leave from their studies while they are employed by UBC
• the job only exceeds the previous 20-hour-per-week limit in off-campus work between the dates of November 15, 2022 and December 31, 2023 (inclusive)
• the signed UBC offer letter must include the immigration language stating that authorization to work must be maintained and have a duration that is equal to or less than the expiry date on their valid Study Permit

Most full-time UBC students are already authorized to work unlimited hours on campus, as long as the Study Permit includes the condition that they are authorized to work.

For more details, review the announcement. For questions please contact your HR Advisor or Manager.