New Rules in 2024 for International Students Coming to Canada

Know the new rules in 2024 for those of who have plans to study in Canada 

The influx of international students into Canada has long been viewed as a boon to the country’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. However, recent years have seen a surge in the number of students arriving without adequate support systems. Some institutions have allegedly ramped up their intake, exacerbating pressures on housing and essential services. In response, the Canadian government has taken a few measures.

What were the changes in 2024? 

1. On January 22nd 2024, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled measures aimed at stabilizing the intake of international students over the next two years. 
2. There will be an intake cap on international student permit applications. For the year 2024, the cap will result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, marking a significant decrease from the previous year. 
3. Effective September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. 
4. Furthermore, graduates of master’s degree programs will soon have the opportunity to apply for extended work permits to facilitate smoother transitions to the labor force.
5. In parallel, changes to open work permit eligibility will ensure that spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs can continue to contribute to Canada’s workforce effectively. 

This cap won’t impact existing study permit holders or those who seek permit renewals. Additionally, masters and doctoral studies, too, are exempt from these limitations.

How will the new rule be implemented? 

1. To operationalize the cap of student enrollment, each province and territory will receive a designated allocation, which will then be distributed among their respective learning institutions. 
2. Effective January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted to IRCC will require an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. 
3. Provinces and territories are expected to have processes in place for issuing these letters by March 31, 2024.

How do these new rules affect international students?

For international students eyeing Canada as their educational destination, the recent imposition of a cap on study permits raises pertinent questions regarding their prospects. With a reduction in the number of study permits anticipated, gaining admission to Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) is poised to become a fiercely competitive endeavour.

Prospects for securing a study permit remain relatively unchanged for those pursuing master’s or doctoral programs in Canada. However, the landscape may be less favorable for students enrolling in undergraduate programs such as bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, or certificates. 

Revised cost of living for applicants of study permits

The government has also announced a significant change in the financial requirements for international students planning to study in Canada. 

1. In light of the rising living expenses, the previous financial threshold of CAD $10,000, set in the early 2000s, is being updated. 
2. Starting from January 1, 2024, the new cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants will be $20,635.
3. This updated financial requirement will be adjusted annually based on changes to the low-income cut-off (LICO) by Statistics Canada. Currently set at 75% of LICO, $20,635 is deemed sufficient for international students to cover living expenses in Canada. 
4. Additionally, students will need to demonstrate funding for their first year of tuition and travel costs. This revised cost will apply to all new study permit applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024, including those under the Student Direct Stream (SDS).

What are the updates on three temporary policies for international students?

Apart from adjusting the cost-of-living standard, Minister Miller has also shared updates on three temporary policies affecting international students. These policies, set to expire by the end of 2023, have undergone changes. 

• Extended Waiver on the 20-Hour-per-week Limit: International students already living in Canada who applied for a study permit by December 7, 2023, will receive an extension on the 20-hour-per-week restriction for off-campus employment. This extension is now prolonged until April 30, 2024, allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week during their semesters.

• Updated Distance Learning Facilitation Measure: An update has been made to the Distance Learning Facilitation Measure, enabling students to count online study hours towards their future post-graduation work permit. If your study program begins before September 1, 2024, you are eligible for this extension. However, this extension does not apply if your program starts on or after this date.
• No Further Extension of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs): Recognizing the disruptions in the labor market due to the pandemic and its recovery period, a temporary policy granting an additional 18-month work permit after post-graduation work permit expiration has been in effect. Those whose post-graduation work permits expire by December 31, 2023, remain eligible to apply. However, this temporary policy will not receive any further extensions.

As a prospective international student, how should you prepare for these changes? 

In light of the new changes outlined in the article, the following are some key actions international students planning to study in Canada can consider:

1. Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on immigration policies and regulations issued by the Canadian government and educational institutions. 
2. Plan Financially: With the revised cost of living requirement and potential changes in work permit eligibility, it’s essential for students to plan their finances accordingly. Consider budgeting for living expenses, tuition fees, and potential income sources to ensure financial stability throughout your studies.
3. Explore Alternative Options: If impacted by changes in work permit eligibility or the intake cap on study permits, explore alternative options such as scholarships, grants, or part-time employment opportunities within the permitted limits. Additionally, consider seeking guidance from academic advisors or immigration professionals to explore alternative pathways to achieve your academic and career goals in Canada.
4. Prepare Documentation: Be prepared to submit any required documentation, such as attestation letters from provinces or territories, as part of the study permit application process. Ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted within the specified deadlines to avoid any delays or complications.
5. Stay Flexible: Stay open to adjusting your plans as needed and remain resilient in pursuing your educational and career aspirations in Canada.