Students seek higher work limit in Canada

An Indian international student in Canada faced deportation recently following his arrest for working beyond the 20-hour weekly work limit which the visiting students are permitted during their studies. The student was working full time as a truck driver when he was stopped for a routine inspection by police in Ontario, two weeks ahead of his graduation.

The law states that international students can work up to 20 hours during term time, and full-time during scheduled school breaks. According to the Canadore College student, he needed to work in order to afford his tuition, and his studies were not adversely affected. Campaigners have started a petition calling for international students to get equal labour rights as domestic students. Immigration department spokesperson said that regulation tried to ensure that study permit holders were genuine students. A person seeking to work full-time would have a primary purpose of working, not studying, and should seek a work permit, according to the department.