2024 Canada Student Visa Update: Finances, Limits & More
International students in Canada must read about financial requirements, visa changes, and policy updates including work permit waivers and online study rules.
Canada has long been a beacon for international students seeking high-quality education in a diverse and welcoming environment. However, the journey to study in Canada comes with unique challenges, and recent developments in immigration and education policies necessitate a closer look.
Here are the crucial updates for international students planning to study in Canada in 2024 and beyond that they need to be aware of.
Increased Financial Requirements for Study Permits
Starting January 1st, Canada is raising the financial bar for study permit applicants. This change aims to ensure that international students are better prepared for the cost of living in Canada.
The updated cost requirement, now at least $20,635, in addition to covering their first year of tuition and travel expenses, significantly surpasses the previous figure of $10,000, a sum established in the early 2000s that has remained unchanged until now.
This adjustment reflects the rising cost of living and is a critical update for students planning their financials for studying in Canada.
Potential Visa Limitations for Ensuring Adequate Support
An important consideration for future students is the possibility of visa limitations starting from the September 2024 semester.
The Canadian government is prepared to take necessary measures, including limiting visas, to ensure that designated learning institutions are providing sufficient support to international students.
This move underscores the commitment to ensuring a holistic and supportive educational experience for all international students in Canada.
A Commitment to Student Support and Housing
The Canadian government recognizes the housing and support challenges faced by international students. In response, they are developing a new framework for educational institutions.
This framework mandates that institutions provide top-quality services and support, particularly in housing, to their international students.
The government expects these institutions only to accept the number of students they can adequately support, including providing housing options.
Response To Temporary Policies
The Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has also announced extensions and conclusions to several temporary policies affecting international students:
Extended Work Limit Waiver
The current waiver that permits international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session has been extended until April 30, 2024.
This extension applies to international students currently in Canada and those who have submitted a study permit application by December 7, 2023.
The government is considering further adjustments to this policy, potentially increasing the off-campus work hours to 30 hours per week during class sessions.
Online Study for Work Permits
The policy allowing international students to include online study time towards the eligibility period for a post-graduation work permit will remain effective for students who start their programs before September 1, 2024.
However, this policy will not apply to students commencing their studies on or after this date. Initially introduced in 2020 due to travel restrictions from the pandemic, this measure was scaled back in September 2022. Currently, most international students are pursuing in-person studies in Canada.
No Special Extension for PGWP
In response to labor market disruptions during and after the pandemic, a temporary policy was introduced to grant an extra 18-month work permit to those holding a post-graduation work permit nearing expiration.
This policy is available to foreign nationals with a post-graduation work permit expiring until December 31, 2023. However, there are no plans to extend this policy further.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you're an international student planning to study in Canada, these updates are crucial. The increased financial requirement calls for more thorough financial planning. The commitment to student support and the potential for visa limitations underscores the importance of choosing the right institution. And the temporary policy changes mean you must be up-to-date with your work and study permit requirements.
Stay informed, plan accordingly, and prepare for your educational journey in Canada.
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