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Studying abroad can be an invigorating experience, offering exceptional opportunities for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and academic advancement. Canada is well-known for its reputation as a top destination for both studying and living. In fact, a recent survey shows over 800,000 international students have opted for Canada as their preferred destination for further studies. However, like other countries, studying in Canada requires a study visa, also known as a study permit, a gateway to access educational opportunities within the country.
Whether Canada is already on your list or you are just beginning to explore university and college options in the country, staying updated with Canada’s International Student Program is essential. This blog post will shed light on the latest updates from Immigration Canada and how they can impact your study visa application.
Key Updates on Canada Student Visa
Wondering about the new rules for international students in Canada? The following are some of the recent IRCC updates for international students that you must know.
1. Revised Cost of Living for Study Permit Applicants
One of the notable changes announced by Mr. Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, is the increased proof of financial support requirements for international students. Previously, the students were required to show a budget of CAD$ 10,000. However, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has been revised to $20,635.
Such financial requirements will be revised yearly when Statistics Canada updates the low-income cut-off (LICO). With $20,635 covering 75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO), international students can have adequate funds that enable them to lead a comfortable life in Canada. Moreover, it is mandatory for the students to demonstrate their first-year tuition fees and travel expenses. Such revised costs will apply to the new study permit and Student Direct Stream (SDS) applications.
2. Recent Revisions to Three Temporary Policies Affecting International Students
The Canadian government has also announced official updates on three temporary policies that may affect international students. The following are the updates that you need to know:
3. Distance Learning Facilitation Measure Updated
Canadian officials have introduced another update, known as the Distance Learning Facilitation Measure, which allows international students to include online study hours towards their future post-graduation work permit. This extension is applicable only to students commencing their study programs before September 1, 2024. It’s essential to understand that this extension does not apply to programs initiated on or after this date.
4. Extended Waiver on the 20-Hour-Per-Week Limit
International students currently residing in Canada who have already submitted their study permit applications are eligible for a waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work. It’s crucial to highlight that this exemption has been extended until April 30, 2024, enabling international students to work more than 20 hours per week during their semesters.
5. Cap and Provincial Attestation Letter
Another significant update pertains to the implementation of a federal cap on study permits. Under the new regulations, international students pursuing post-secondary education at the college or undergraduate level must include a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from a province or territory along with their study permit application. It’s important to note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will reject any study permit application that lacks a PAL, except for those who are exempt from this requirement.
For international students who have already obtained a study permit and are preparing to travel to Canada for an upcoming program, no additional steps are necessary due to the cap.
6. PGWP Eligibility for Public-Private Partnership College Programs
Some provinces enable the colleges to license their curriculum for delivery by affiliated private colleges. In such cases, students attend classes in public colleges but receive diplomas from public institutions upon graduation. The Auditor General of Ontario has raised concerns about a lack of oversight of program quality and student services at these institutions. Considering the situation, IRCC has implemented a few changes to limit PGWPs for such institutions, anticipating that without the option to receive a PGWP, there will be a decline in the enrollment of international students in such institutions.
Conclusion
Students planning to study and relocate to Canada must keep up with Canada’s latest International Student Programs. Updates regarding the Canada student visa and programs showcase the Canadian government’s dedication to enhancing education and fostering a vibrant global community. That said, Visa Immigration is a specialized law firm guiding students through their journey to studying in Canada. With the help of Visa Immigration’s detailed insights and support, students can confidently navigate the application process, ensuring a successful educational experience in Canada.