A student was deported for exceeding the 20-hour work limit set by their student visa. This rule is in place to ensure that students focus primarily on their studies. However, some students, due to financial pressures, end up working more hours.
In one case, a student named Jobandeep Sandhu was arrested and deported for working over the limit. He worked as a truck driver to afford his tuition and living expenses.
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What Are the Factors to Understand About Student Visa Work Limitations?
Student visa work limitations are essentially rules set by the immigration authorities of the host country. These rules stipulate the maximum number of hours that international students can work while they are studying.
The specifics of these rules can vary from one country to another, but a common standard is a limit of 20 hours per week during academic terms.
However, as of July 1, 2023, student visa holders are restricted to 48 hours of work per fortnight. A fortnight is a period of 14 days starting on a Monday.
Work Hour Limitations in Student Visas
The work hour limitations are calculated over a fortnight. This means that the total number of hours worked over a two-week period should not exceed the stipulated limit.
For example, a student might work 15 hours in the first week and 30 hours in the second week, totaling 45 hours over the fortnight, which is within the limit.
However, if the student works 30 hours each week, they would exceed the limit with 60 hours over the fortnight. It’s important to note that these restrictions apply to all jobs combined, not per employer.
Reasons Behind These Limitations
The primary reason for these limitations is to ensure that students focus on their studies, which is the main purpose of their visa.
The restrictions are designed to strike a balance between allowing students to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the workforce, and ensuring that their academic pursuits are not compromised.
During the pandemic, these restrictions were relaxed to address workforce shortages, but they were reinstated on July 1, 2023.
However, these rules are not just arbitrary restrictions but are designed with the student’s best interests in mind.
Studying in a foreign country can be a challenging experience, and these rules are there to ensure that students are able to dedicate enough time to their studies and not be overwhelmed by work commitments.
Moreover, these rules also protect students from potential exploitation in the workplace.
Case Study: Student Deportation
There have been several instances where students have faced deportation due to various reasons. Here are a few examples
Jobandeep Sandhu’s Case
Jobandeep Sandhu, an international student from Punjab, India, was arrested and faced deportation for exceeding the maximum number of work hours allowed by his student visa.
He worked as a truck driver while studying, and was arrested during a routine traffic stop. A review of his driver’s logbook revealed that he had exceeded the maximum number of work hours an international student in Canada is allowed to work each week.
Rasikh Aziz’s Case
Rasikh Aziz, an international student from Pakistan, faced deportation from the UK after arriving early for his course at the University of Law. He was given the wrong enrolment date by his university and arrived two months early.
Despite attending classes without a problem, he was told that he had arrived several weeks earlier than he should have and was reported to the Home Office.
What was The Specific Case Deported for Exceeding 20 Work Hours?
Sandhu was an international student from Punjab, India, studying in Canada. He worked as a truck driver to afford his tuition and living expenses.
However, he was arrested during a routine traffic stop when it was discovered that he had exceeded the maximum number of work hours allowed by his student visa.
On Dec. 13, 2017, while driving a commercial vehicle between Montreal and Toronto, Sandhu was pulled over by an Ontario Provincial Police officer for a routine traffic stop.
A few moments later, with little explanation, Sandhu was arrested, handcuffed, and placed in the back seat of a police car. A review of his driver’s logbook revealed that he had exceeded the maximum number of work hours an international student in Canada is allowed to work each week.
Despite his pleas that working full time was the only way he could afford to stay in school, Sandhu faced deportation for “working too hard,” according to his lawyers.
This case highlights the challenges faced by international students and the strict enforcement of visa rules.
What Are The Consequences of Exceeding Work Limitations?
Exceeding work hour limitations on a student visa can lead to immediate consequences like visa revocation and deportation. In the long term, it can impact the student’s academic performance, professional future, mental health, and social connections.
Visa Revocation
The most immediate consequence of exceeding the work hour limit is the revocation of the student visa. This is a serious matter as the student visa is the legal document that allows international students to study and reside in the host country. Without it, the student is considered to be in the country illegally and is subject to deportation.
Deportation
Deportation is the act of expelling a foreigner from a country. This is a drastic measure that is taken when a student’s visa is revoked. Deportation can be a traumatic experience as it involves leaving behind one’s place of study, friends, and often, dreams and aspirations.
Long-term Consequences
Academic Difficulties
The fear and stress associated with deportation can lead to academic difficulties. Students may find it hard to concentrate on their studies, leading to poor academic performance.
In addition, if a student is deported, they may not be able to complete their course of study, which can have long-term implications for their career prospects.
Professional Future
A record of deportation can have serious implications for a student’s professional future. It can make it difficult for the student to obtain a work visa in the future, limiting their job opportunities.
Employers may also view a record of deportation negatively, which can affect a student’s chances of securing a job in their field of study.
Psychological Impact
The threat of deportation can lead to significant stress and anxiety. This can affect a student’s mental health in the long term, leading to conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Social Impact
Deportation can lead to social isolation as students are separated from their friends and social networks. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and can impact their overall well-being.
FAQ
What happens if you work more than 20 hours in UK as a student?
If a student works more than 20 hours a week in the UK, they violate their visa conditions. This can lead to visa revocation and immediate deportation.
What happens if we work more than 20 hours on a student visa in USA?
In the USA, working more than 20 hours per week on a student visa violates the regulations of your legal status. This can result in visa revocation and can impact your right to work in the country.
What if a student works more than 20 hours in Canada?
In Canada, if a student works more than 20 hours per week, it can lead to serious consequences. However, the Canadian government has made some exceptions for students working in certain sectors.
What happens if you work more than 20 hours on a student visa in Australia?
In Australia, student visa holders are restricted to 48 hours of work per fortnight from 1st July 2023. Violating this limit can have serious repercussions.
Can I work 40 hours as a student in Australia?
Before 1st July 2023, students in Australia could work up to 40 hours per fortnight. However, from 1st July 2023, the limit has been increased to 48 hours per fortnight.
Can a student work 40 hours now in Australia?
Yes, students in Australia can work up to 48 hours per fortnight.
What is the maximum working hours for international students in Australia?
The maximum working hours for international students in Australia is 48 hours per fortnight.
Final thoughts
All things considered, exceeding the work hour limit as an international student can have serious consequences, including visa revocation and deportation.
It’s crucial for students to understand and adhere to these rules to avoid disrupting their academic journey and future career prospects.
Always remember, rules are there for a reason, and respecting them is part of the learning experience.