When I sat down to speak with a small group of students about the recent change to off-campus work rules, I expected practical answers about money and schedules. What surprised me was fear. Six international students and one Canadian agreed to participate, but only on the condition that we did not record video and used pseudonyms: Ken (University of Niagara Falls), Oluwa (Conestoga College), Kai (Brock University), Amir (Niagara College), Rahul (Seneca College), and Becky (Centennial College). They expressed unease about any information that could be traced back to them, as it might affect their status or standing with schools or the government.
Their caution is understandable given the broader context. Canada hosted nearly one million international students at the end of 2024 (CBIE, 2024), positioning international education as a major component of the post-secondary landscape. However, enrollment numbers have fluctuated throughout 2024 and 2025 as the sector adjusts to new policies and shifting global mobility trends. This sector also contributes billions to the Canadian economy: international students’ expenditures on tuition, housing, and daily necessities were estimated at approximately $37.3 billion in 2022 (Global Affairs Canada, 2024) — money that supports businesses, jobs, and local services nationwide..
On November 8, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada amended the off-campus work rule to permit eligible international students to work up to 24 hours per week without requiring a separate work permit. This policy change reflects the flexibility students seek to earn additional income, though many remain hesitant to speak publicly about policy issues or criticize the institutions they depend on.
Every student I spoke with—international and Canadian—supported the increased work hours. Ken indicated that the additional time would enable him to take on more paid shifts during less demanding academic periods. Oluwa highlighted the persistent financial strain, stating, “I do well in class, but worrying about rent and remittances is a pressure that never goes away.” Amir and Rahul described juggling part-time jobs and coursework, and welcomed a little more breathing room. Becky, the Canadian student in the group, emphasized that many international classmates are high-achieving students but are often hindered by high fees and limited work hours due to their immigration status.
These experiences are reflected in broader survey data. The 2023 International Student Survey revealed that many students work while studying and rely on employment to support their education in Canada. A significant portion of students work 21 to 30 hours per week or hold multiple jobs, which affects their time and well-being (CIBE, 2023). At the same time, the tuition gap between international and domestic students has widened: for the 2025/26 academic year, international undergraduate tuition is expected to be more than five times higher than that of Canadian students in many programs—an affordability gap that helps explain why students push to work more hours (Statistics Canada, 2025)
So why the fear about being recorded or identified? For many international students, discussing immigration policy openly feels risky because their permission to study and work in Canada is conditional. Even when students comply with all requirements and contribute by paying tuition and taxes, they often feel vulnerable. This perception discourages open debate and limits campus discussions.
The solution involves two key steps. First, policymakers and institutions should act transparently and proactively by explaining how students’ participation in public discussion is protected and clarifying that expressing opinions will not automatically jeopardize their status. Second, campuses should expand anonymous and trusted channels, such as surveys, confidential forums, and student ombudspersons, to ensure that students can safely voice concerns about policy, housing, or work without fear of repercussions.
The students I interviewed want the same thing everyone else does: fair rules, the ability to support themselves without compromising their studies, and the freedom to speak without worrying that tomorrow’s bureaucrat will use their comments against them. If Canada really values international education as both an economic engine and a civic asset, it should ensure that students can openly discuss the policies that shape their daily lives.