What are the different immigration policy changes announced in 2024 by the Canadian government that international students should be aware of?

Immigration policy changes announced by the Canadian government in 2024 significantly impact international students. These adjustments are designed to address various challenges and better manage the increasing number of foreign students in Canada, ensuring the country can effectively balance the needs of its education sector with broader social and economic priorities.

Here are the key policy changes that international students should be aware of:

Study permit caps

The government has introduced a two-year cap on study permits to limit the number of international students entering Canada

• In 2024, the number of study permits issued will decrease by 35% compared to 2023, with approximately 360,000 approved study permits.
• For 2025, the cap will be further reduced by 10%, allowing for about 437,000 study permits.

Learn how the new study permit caps will affect your chances of getting a permit.

Post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program updates based on immigration policy changes

Changes to the PGWP program include:

• Starting November 1, 2024, graduates from public colleges will only qualify for a PGWP if they have studied in fields related to occupations with labor shortages.
• Graduates with bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees will remain eligible for a PGWP of up to three years, regardless of their field of study.
• Applicants will need to achieve a score of 7 on the Language Benchmark CLB for university, with corresponding scores for college graduates applying
  after November 1.

Curious about what are the new eligibility criteria for post-graduation work permits? 

Work permit restrictions

New regulations have been implemented regarding work permits:

• The temporary policy allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus ended in April 2024.
• As of fall 2024, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.
• Spouses of international students will only be permitted to work in sectors experiencing labor shortages.

What’s unchanged and the penalties of exceeding work hours

• Students can still work unlimited hours during scheduled academic breaks.
• There are no restrictions on the number of hours students can work on-campus.

The penalties for exceeding student work hours limits remain largely unchanged. However, international students need to be aware of the potential consequences:

• Loss of student status: Students who work more than the allowed 24 hours per week may lose their student status in Canada.
• Future permit denials: Exceeding the work hour limits could result in not being approved for study or work permits in the future.
• Deportation risk: In severe cases, students violating these rules may be ordered to leave the country.

The Canadian government emphasizes the importance of adhering to these regulations:

• Students must carefully track their work hours to ensure compliance with the new 24-hour limit during academic terms.
• Students can still work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, provided they return to full-time studies after the break.

While the penalties have remained unchanged, students and employers must also be vigilant to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

Cost of living requirement

The updated cost of living requirements for international students in Canada are based on LICO Thresholds.

• The cost-of-living requirement for a single study permit applicant has increased from $10,000 to $20,635. The increase aims to reflect a more realistic picture of living expenses in Canada. The threshold will be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO) 
• This amount is in addition to the first year of tuition and travel costs

With these rise in costs, you might want to consider exploring these financial assistance tools to pursue your education in Canada.

Student direct stream program is closed

The Canadian government closed the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program on November 8, 2024 for several key reasons. 

The decision is part of Canada’s efforts to reinforce the reliability and transparency of its immigration processes. The closure aims to give all international students equal and fair access to the study permit application process. By eliminating the expedited pathway for select countries, Canada creates a more level playing field for all applicants. 

How will the closure of SDS impact processing times for study permits

The closure of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program will significantly impact processing times for study permits in Canada in the following ways:

• Longer processing times: Without the expedited SDS pathway, all international students will now face standard processing times, which can extend up to 12 weeks or more
• Increased application volume: The regular study permit stream will now handle applications previously processed through SDS, potentially leading to longer wait times due to increased volume
• Regional variations: Processing times may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin. For example, applications from India are currently taking around 8 weeks to process
• Planning adjustments: Students are advised to start their study permit applications much earlier to account for these longer processing timelines and avoid disruptions to their academic plans
• Potential delays: The closure may result in delayed visa approvals, impacting students’ ability to arrive in Canada before their semester starts

International students should be prepared for a more time-consuming application process and plan accordingly to ensure they can begin their studies on time.

Provincial Attestation Letter

As of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC requires a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)  from a province or territory.

PALs confirm that a student has been accounted for within the provincial or territorial allocation of study permits under the national cap. It ensures that only genuine students who are adequately vetted and accepted into recognized programs are granted study permits. PALs help maintain the integrity of the education system and manage institutional capacity.

Key points about the PAL

• It must be included with the study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for most international students.
• The PAL requirement applies to undergraduate students, non-degree granting graduate programs, and those in programs longer than six months that don’t lead to a Master’s or PhD.
• Exceptions exist for certain groups, including Master’s and PhD students, primary and secondary education students, and some in-Canada students.
• The letter is typically issued 3-5 business days after all admissions requirements are met. Unless otherwise specified, PALs issued currently are generally valid until January 21, 2025.
• Students must obtain the PAL from their chosen institution after accepting their offer and paying any required deposits. The process for requesting and receiving the PAL may vary by institution.

Quebec-specific requirements

• Students planning to study in Quebec need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) instead of a PAL.
• The CAQ must include a specific statement to function as a provincial attestation letter.

Institutional changes

New regulations affect Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

• Students must apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions.
• DLIs could face suspension from welcoming new international students for up to a year if they fail to provide required compliance reports or verify acceptance letters.

Express entry system

Starting in spring 2025, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer.

These policy changes reflect Canada’s efforts to balance the benefits of international education with sustainable growth and address challenges related to housing, healthcare, and other services. International students should carefully consider these new regulations when planning their studies and future in Canada.

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