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Do the changes to international student visas affect you?
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced on January 22 a series of measures to stabilize the influx of international students over the next two years.
The Canadian government has implemented an intake cap on international student permit applications. For 2024, the cap is set at approximately 360,000 approved study permits, reflecting a 35% reduction from the previous year.
Details of the effects on international students:
- The study permit cap will amke sure that allocation is done across provinces and territories following a fair, population-weighted system, ensuring equitable distribution.
- Each study permit application will now require an attestation letter from the respective region.
- This approach aims to streamline and simplify the allocation process, with provinces and territories expected to establish their issuance procedures by March 31, 2024.
- Effective September 1, 2024, students in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer qualify for PGWP.
- However, master’s graduates now enjoy an extended 3-year work permit, allowing for a more substantial period of gaining valuable work experience and facilitating a potential transition to permanent residence.
- Eligibility for open work permits for spouses will be limited to spouses of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Unfortunately, spouses of students in undergraduate and college programs will no longer qualify.
Why were the changes implemented?
According to the statements given by Miller and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the integrity of the international student system has faced challenges in recent years. Certain institutions have expanded their student intake to boost revenues, leading to an influx of students arriving in Canada without adequate support. The rapid growth in international student numbers also strains housing, healthcare, and other services.
These measures are being implemented to stabilize the influx of international students in Canada safeguard international students from unscrupulous practices, and promote sustainable population growth.
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What will be the effect on future international students?
- Fewer international students coming in – The cap’s major effect will be the number of international students entering Canada with a student visa. The allocation of this cap will be done across provinces and territories considering population. the government will depend on attestation letters from provinces and territories for every study permit application. These letters will streamline the allocation process, with provinces and territories establishing their issuance procedures by March 31, 2024.
- Higher GIC – This is not a direct effect of the recently announced cap. Starting from January 1, 2024, prospective students applying for a study permit for 2024 must demonstrate possession of $20,635, in addition to covering their first-year tuition and travel expenses.
- PGWP effect – International students enrolled in study programs that are part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit upon graduation.
- Changes to spousal open work permit – Only spouses of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs will be eligible for open work permits. Unfortunately, this means that spouses of students at other academic levels, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer qualify for these permits.
The positive effect on current international students in Canada
Current students in Canada who already hold a student visa will be benefiting from this change, according to the minister’s statement.
Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon benefit from a 3-year work permit. This change is a departure from the previous one that linked the length of the post-graduation work permit solely to the length of the study program. This adjustment allows master’s graduates more time to gain valuable work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence.
By focusing on master’s and doctoral degrees, the government aims to provide spouses with more substantial employment options, recognizing the commitment and dedication involved in pursuing advanced degrees.
Alongside the potential ease of singles permanent residency, spouses of students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs will now be eligible for open work permits.
Is Canada still a good option for international students?
Canada can still be considered one of the top choices for immigrants from around the world.
As of 2022, the Canadian population included over eight million permanent residents, constituting roughly 20 percent of the total population. Additionally, there were 963,400 individuals holding work permits, over 800,000 international students, and 24,935 refugee claimants.
Among the provinces, Ontario has continued to be a popular destination for students and other immigrants. British Columbia and Alberta follow this province.
If you need any assistance or have any questions, you can contact our Immigration Consultant 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.
