Recently, the Canadian government introduced quite significant changes that have been affecting international students willing to study in Canada. This article describes the new rules for foreign students hoping to study in Canada in 2024.
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| Unveiling New Rules for International Students in Canada 2024 |
Canada has become the first choice for many international scholars because of its educational establishments that are well respected, open society, and opportunities for jobs or permanent residency after graduation.
The above changes come into force beginning January 1, 2024, under the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship The Honourable Marc Miller’s leadership.
The revisions involve restrictions of study permits in numbers, empowerment of financial requirements, and modifications to postgraduate work permits.
This piece provides a detailed overview of the recent amendments to the info-board on international education in Canada to inform about the evolving landscape to the prospective students.
Comprehensive Overview of New Regulations for International Students in Canada for 2024
1) Temporary Cap on Study Permits
To streamline the influx of applications, Canada has introduced a temporary cap on the issuance of study permits. The allocation for 2024 is limited to 360,000 new permits, thereby constraining the number of Canadian student visas available for the upcoming academic year.
2) Increased Financial Requirements
International students are mandated to demonstrate sufficient financial backing when pursuing studies in Canada. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum financial proof of support has been raised significantly. For all provinces excluding Quebec, the minimum requirement has been elevated from $10,000 to $20,635. In Quebec, the minimum financial proof stands at $15,078, with a reduced requirement of $7,541 for students below 18 years of age.
3) Amendments to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
Effective September 1, 2024, holders of master’s degrees will now qualify for a 3-year PGWP.
Even graduates of master’s programs lasting less than two years are eligible for the extended 3-year PGWP.
However, students enrolled in programs covered by curriculum licensing agreements will lose eligibility for the PGWP upon graduation, commencing September 1, 2024.
4) Extension of Part-Time Working Hours Limit
The exemption allowing temporary 20-hour work limits during studies has been prolonged until April 30, 2024.
5) Spouses of Open Work Permit International Students
Spouses of international students holding study permits can no longer directly apply for open work permits. Instead, they must seek a closed work permit linked to their spouse’s employer.
For further information and resources, please refer to the Official Canadian Government Website.
Options for Moving to Canada
1) Visit Visa:
Applying for a Tourist Visa stands as the simplest method. Visit Canada, explore its opportunities, and seek employment. Upon securing a job, you can transition your visit visa into a work permit seamlessly.
Read: How to Change a Visitor Visa for Canada into a Work Permit (2024–25)
2) Study Visa:
Another pathway entails applying for admission to a Canadian university and obtaining a study visa. This not only facilitates relocation but also provides opportunities for academic advancement.
3) Work Permit:
Seeking employment directly in Canada is another viable approach. Secure a job offer from a Canadian employer and proceed to apply for a work permit. Alternatively, engaging with Canadian recruitment agencies can enhance your job search efforts.
4) No Job? No Problem:
For those without a job lined up, there's no need to fret. The Canadian government has initiated a Digital Nomad program to attract remote workers worldwide. To learn more about the Canada Digital Nomad Visa and its benefits, please refer to our dedicated article.
Exploring these avenues can pave the way for a smooth transition to life in Canada, offering diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth.