The Langley Chamber has engaged with our local Members of Parliament, and has contacted federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller, about the continued labour force challenges facing some Langley businesses and the role international students can play in filling persistent job vacancies in our community.

Currently, an exemption is in place allowing international students to work more than 20-hours-per-week for local businesses, but that exemption expires on December 31, at which point their hours must be capped at 20.  

The Langley Chamber has heard from our membership that 2/3rds of businesses are still struggling with finding workers, and many employ international students currently who are performing key roles. Without an extension to current exemption, those businesses would be forced to cut the hours of international students to no more than 20, and may struggle to find other workers to pick up those hours/shifts. 

While there has been some moderation in the labour market recently, employers still need access to a number of recruitment options -- including international students working more than 20 hours -- to ensure they can adequately staff and operate their businesses. 

Click our letter below to read: