Learn about new visa limits for overseas students, PGWP eligibility modifications, and updated study permit regulations in Canada. Discover the impact these have on your strategy.

Significant modifications have been made by the Canadian government to the rules governing study permits and employment prospects for foreign students. With effect from November 1, 2024, these revisions seek to improve procedures while conforming to more general immigration laws. Below is a summary of the major advancements:

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Updates

1. Program Designation Requirement:

– Students who complete specific programs (more than 960 fields) will be eligible for a PGWP.

– Regardless of their program, individuals who were enrolled before to November 1, 2024, are excluded from this regulation and are still eligible to apply for a PGWP.

2. Program Changes and Extensions:

– PGWP eligibility will be revoked for students who transfer to non-designated programs and need a study permit extension after the deadline.

3. Permit Expiry and Extension:

– A study permit’s expiration date is usually equal to the duration of the program plus an extra ninety days.

– To continue their studies in Canada, students must apply for an extension prior to the permit’s expiration.

New Requirements for Study Permits

1. Financial Proof:

– At CAD 20,635, the financial need has roughly doubled from its prior value.

– Before sending out letters of admission, schools must make sure that students have found lodging.

2. Provincial or Territorial Approval:

– A Provincial or Territorial Approval Letter (PAL) will be required for study permit applications beginning in 2025.

Quota for Study Permits and Visa Restrictions

1. Reduction in Student Visas:

– By 2025, Canada plans to offer 10% fewer student visas, with a ceiling of 437,000.

– Twelve percent of this quota is given to master’s and doctorate students.

2. Rules for Accompanying Family Members:

– Work permits will be available to spouses of master’s students enrolled in programs that last at least 16 months.

Impact on Students and Stakeholders

Although stakeholders have voiced concerns, the adjustments guarantee the integrity of Canada’s immigration system:

– Student Concerns: Many are concerned about how program modifications would affect PGWP eligibility.

– Institutional Impact: According to colleges like British Columbia, a sizable percentage of students could be impacted.

Canada’s Growing International Student Population

The number of overseas students is still increasing in spite of these developments. More than 1 million students with valid study visas were admitted to Canada in 2023, a 29% increase from the year before. The Philippines, China, and India continue to be the key drivers of this expansion.

Conclusion

The new rules in Canada show a calculated approach to striking a balance between the demands of the labor market, immigration, and education. Despite the difficulties, the modifications highlight how crucial it is for students hoping to study and work in Canada to plan ahead and follow the most recent regulations.