2024 Canada Rule Changes for International Students

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Key Takeaways:

In 2024, Canada introduced new regulations for international students, including a temporary cap on study permits and cost of living increase.
Provincial Attestation Letters required for study permits; off-campus work limited to 20 hours, increasing to 24 in September 2024.
PGWP eligibility updated: extended for master’s graduates, applications must be online, restrictions on programs, and online studies partially accepted.

Studying in Canada: What Are the New Rules for International Students in 2024?

In 2024, the Canadian government introduced significant changes to the regulations for international students. These new rules aim to manage the growth of the international student population, maintain the integrity of the education system, and offer better support to students. Here’s an in-depth look at the updates.

2024 Canada Rule Changes for International Students

What Is the Temporary Cap on Study Permits?

Starting January 22, 2024, Canada imposed a temporary two-year cap on the issuance of new study permits. For 2024, the cap is set at approximately 360,000 permits, which is a 35% reduction from the previous year. This measure is intended to address concerns about the rapid increase in international students and its impact on housing, healthcare, and other services. The cap will be reassessed at the end of 2024.

Exemptions:
– Students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees
– Students in elementary and secondary education

What Are Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs)?

To apply for a study permit, students must now include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issued by the province where their educational institution is located. Each province and territory has a specific allocation of study permits based on their population. The permits will be distributed among designated learning institutions within each province.

This requirement aims to ensure fairness in the issuance of study permits and manage the number of international students in each region.

What Changes Have Been Made to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility?

Several changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program were introduced in 2024:

Public-Private Partnerships

Students enrolling in programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing arrangements after May 15, 2024, will not be eligible for PGWPs. This change aims to avoid the exploitation of the PGWP program by institutions without adequate support.

Extended PGWPs for Master’s Graduates

Graduates of master’s programs in Canada will now be eligible for three-year PGWPs, providing them with more time to gain work experience in Canada.

How Has the Cost of Living Requirement Changed?

As of January 1, 2024, the cost of living requirement for international students in Canada has increased significantly. Students must now demonstrate that they have at least $20,635 available to cover living expenses. This is a substantial increase from the previous requirement of $10,000. The aim is to ensure students are financially prepared for life in Canada and reduce their vulnerability to exploitation.

What Are the New Rules Regarding Off-Campus Work Hours?

The rules concerning off-campus work hours have been updated:

20-Hour Limit: The temporary policy allowing international students to work unlimited hours off-campus during their studies will end on April 30, 2024. Instead, students will be limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus until September 2024.
24-Hour Limit: Starting September 2024, the limit will increase to 24 hours per week. This change balances the need for students to gain work experience and earn income with their academic commitments.

Are There Restrictions on Changing Educational Institutions?

International students can no longer change their college or university after arriving in Canada without reapplying for a new study permit. This measure ensures students remain enrolled in the institution for which they were originally granted a visa, maintaining the integrity of the education system.

How Will Educational Institutions Report to IRCC?

Educational institutions are now required to report directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding their students’ enrollment status. This includes confirming letters of acceptance and tracking students’ progress. Enhanced oversight helps prevent fraud and ensures compliance with visa conditions.

What Are the New Requirements for Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility?

Eligibility for spousal open work permits has been restricted. Only spouses of international students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and certain professional programs (such as medicine, law, and engineering) will be eligible. This change aims to manage the number of work permits issued and ensure they benefit those most in need.

What Is the Recognized Institutions Framework?

The Canadian government is developing a new Recognized Institutions Framework. This framework will reward post-secondary institutions that uphold high standards in selecting, supporting, and retaining international students. It ensures that institutions provide high-quality education and adequate student support.

The PGWP Eligibility Criteria for 2024

The Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) in Canada has undergone several significant changes to better align the program with labor market needs and ensure the education system’s integrity. Here are the new eligibility criteria:

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a PGWP, international students must meet the following criteria:
– Completion of a Program: Must have completed an academic, vocational, or professional training program at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The program must be at least eight months in duration and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
– Full-Time Student Status: Must have maintained full-time student status in Canada during each academic session of the program, except for the final academic session or any authorized leave.
– Application Timing: Must apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving confirmation from the DLI that they have completed their program of study.

What Are the New PGWP Eligibility Changes for 2024?

For Master’s Degree Graduates

Starting February 15, 2024, graduates from master’s programs, regardless of the program’s length, are eligible for a three-year PGWP. This change provides master’s graduates with more time to gain valuable Canadian work experience and enhance their chances of obtaining permanent residence.

Public-Private Partnership Programs

Effective May 15, 2024, students enrolled in programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing agreements will no longer be eligible for a PGWP. This change addresses quality and support concerns in such programs.

Online Studies

Until August 31, 2024, students can complete up to 50% of their program online and still be eligible for a PGWP. Starting September 1, 2024, at least 50% of the program must be completed in-class in Canada for the student to be eligible.

Application Process

As of June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a PGWP at a Canadian border crossing. All applications must be submitted online. This change aims to reduce processing times and prevent the misuse of border resources.

How Does the PGWP Duration Depend on the Program Length?

The length of the PGWP depends on the duration of the completed study program:
– Programs of 8 Months to Less Than 2 Years: The PGWP will be valid for the same length as the study program.
– Programs of 2 Years or More: The PGWP will be valid for three years.
– Multiple Programs: If more than one eligible program is completed, the PGWP may combine the lengths of each program, provided each program is at least eight months long.

What Are the New Requirements for Online Studies to be Eligible for a PGWP in 2024?

Canada has updated the requirements for international students completing part of their studies online to be eligible for the PGWP. Here are the new requirements:

General Requirements

Program Eligibility: The study program must be at an eligible Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and must lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate. It must be at least eight months in duration.
Full-Time Status: Must maintain full-time status throughout their studies, except during the final academic session or any authorized leave.

What Are the Specific Requirements for Online Studies?

Until August 31, 2024

Online Studies from Outside Canada: Studies completed outside Canada between spring 2020 and August 31, 2024, can count towards the PGWP length, provided they make up less than 50% of the program.
In-Canada Online Studies: If courses were moved online due to the pandemic, the time spent studying online from within Canada until August 31, 2024, will count towards the PGWP length. It’s highly recommended to attend in-class options when available.

Starting September 1, 2024

In-Class Requirement: Students must complete at least 50% of their program in-class in Canada. While some online courses are permissible, the majority must be attended physically in Canada.
Exclusion of Online Studies from PGWP Length: Time spent studying online from outside Canada after August 31, 2024, will not count towards the PGWP length.
Deduction of Time Spent Abroad: Any time spent studying outside Canada after August 31, 2024, will be deducted from the total length of the PGWP.

Additional Considerations

Authorized Leave: Students can take authorized leave from their studies without affecting their PGWP eligibility, provided the leave is approved by their DLI and does not exceed 150 days.
Transfers Between Institutions: If transferring between DLIs, the combined length of studies must be at least eight months, and only time spent at DLIs will count towards PGWP eligibility.

In conclusion, the new rules for international students in Canada in 2024 reflect a thorough effort to manage the international student population, ensure educational integrity, and provide better student support. These changes aim to foster a more sustainable and equitable environment for students and educational institutions.

For more details, students should refer to the official IRCC website for up-to-date and detailed information. According to VisaVerge.com, these updates are crucial for current and prospective international students to understand and prepare for their academic journey in Canada.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Study Permit:
- A legal document issued by the Canadian government authorizing a foreign national to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Starting January 2024, there is a temporary cap on the number of new permits issued to manage the student population and its impact on public services.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL):
- A formal document issued by the province in which the educational institution is located. It is required for study permit applications to ensure an equitable distribution of international students across regions.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- A visa that allows international students who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution to work in Canada. In 2024, eligibility criteria have been updated, including limitations on programs under public-private partnerships and requirements for in-class studies.
Designated Learning Institution (DLI):
- An educational institution that has been approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. Studying at a DLI is a prerequisite for applying for a study permit and, subsequently, a PGWP.
Cost of Living Requirement:
- The amount of money an international student must demonstrate they have to cover living expenses while studying in Canada. As of 2024, this amount has increased to ensure students can afford life in Canada and avoid financial instability.
  By providing these definitions, we aim to make the specialized terms used in discussions about immigration and study in Canada more accessible to a general audience.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In 2024, Canada caps study permits at 360,000 and increases living expense proof to $20,635. New requirements include Provincial Attestation Letters for permits and stricter PGWP eligibility criteria. Off-campus work limits change to 20 hours weekly, later rising to 24. These changes aim to balance system integrity and student support.
— By VisaVerge.com

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