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International students brace for impact of working hours cap

International students in Toronto will be adversely affected by an impending Canadian federal rule that will limit them to working 24 hours a week off-campus when school is in session, students and advocates say, reports CBC News.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller has said the new cap will ensure that international students can focus on their studies, while having the option to work. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Liberal government temporarily waived the 20-hour cap on work hours for international students to ease labour shortages, but that waiver expired on 30 April. While it’s unclear when the new rules will take effect, international students who are already struggling with the high cost of living are bracing for another challenge.

Neeva Phatarphekar, an international student in Toronto who was working 40 hours a week until recently, said the cap will make it tougher for international students to cover their expenses. She said she has already cut down on her expenses to cope with the new rule. She was studying for a public relations certificate at York University but will be studying brand management at Seneca College. “That’s going to be hard with the rent in Toronto and the groceries and eating out with friends and travelling. I have to think about all of that,” she said. “It’s going to be super hard and stressful.”
Full report on the CBC site