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From GIC changes, to work hour extensions for international students - Read the updates here
On December 7, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the upcoming changes to study permit applications and reforms for international students already in Canada.
In the announcements, Minister Miller talked about increasing the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applications and extending the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit. He also talked about the Post-Graduation Work Permit—PGWP Extension 2024 policy.
What are the main updates?
Starting from January 1, 2024, prospective students applying for a study permit for the year 2024 must demonstrate possession of $20,635, in addition to covering their first-year tuition and travel expenses. This alteration applies to all new study permit applications received on or after the specified date.
Furthermore, Minister Miller has issued an update on three temporary policies originally set to conclude at the close of 2023:
1. International students currently residing in Canada and those who submitted a study permit application by December 7, 2023, will be permitted to engage in off-campus work exceeding 20 hours per week until April 30, 2024.
2. The provision allowing international students to include online study time in calculating their post-graduation work permit’s duration, provided it comprises less than 50% of the program, will remain applicable for students commencing their study program before September 1, 2024.
3. Although a temporary policy was implemented thrice to grant an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders whose initial permit was expiring, this policy will not be extended beyond its current eligibility period. Foreign nationals with a post-graduation work permit expiring up to December 31, 2023, are still eligible to apply under the existing policy.
What are the effects on international students?
GIC Increase – According to Minister Miller, the decision to double the financial requirement for study permit applicants is to guarantee that international students have adequate financial preparedness for their life in Canada.
Previously, Canada study permit applicants had to show a cost of living guarantee with a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) of $10,000. While for applications from January, the amount will be doubled, Minister Miller has said the threshold will be adjusted annually in alignment with Statistics Canada’s revisions to the low-income cut-off (LICO). LICO represents the minimum income necessary to prevent individuals from allocating a higher-than-average proportion of their earnings towards essential needs.
Full-time work policy extended – Minister Miller announced that international students can work for more than 20 hours until April 30, 2024.
International students currently residing in Canada and those who submitted their study permit applications by December 7, 2023, will now be authorized to engage in off-campus employment exceeding the standard 20 hours per week until April 30, 2024.
He further stated that IRCC will continue exploring potential enhancements to this policy. Among the considerations is the probability of allowing international students to work up to 30 hours per week off campus during regular class sessions. This will be done to create more favorable conditions for international students in Canada.
Distance Learning will be continued – The rule permitting international students to consider online study hours in determining the duration of their post-graduation work permit, as long as it constitutes less than 50% of the program, will continue to be in effect for students starting their study program before September 1, 2024.
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How will PGWP holders be affected?
Minister Miller emphasized that the current temporary policy of PGWP will not be extended, signaling that there will be no Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) extension policy in 2024.
However, individuals from foreign countries with a post-graduation employment permit set to expire before December 31, 2023, are eligible to seek an extension under the PGWP Extension 2023 policy.
Will there be a cap on international students?
Minister Miller emphasized that educational institutions should only admit as many students as they can effectively support, including providing housing. The minister stressed the obligation to ensure that international students receive the necessary assistance when they come to Canada.
Additionally, he mentioned a willingness to take actions, like restricting visas, before the September 2024 semester. This aims to ensure that recognized educational institutions are fully prepared to offer sufficient student support as part of their academic journey.
If you need any assistance or have any questions regarding your student visa, you can contact our Immigration Consultant in Brampton at +1 289 298 1000 or Book Free Consultation on our website canozvisas.com
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Do you want
to Study or Immigrate to
Canada or Australia?
We are Canoz Visa Services and our team is committed to provide the highest standards of client service in a friendly environment.
