New rules for international students to study in Canada
We are pleased to provide you with an updated summary of the key changes affecting international students seeking to study in Canada in 2024.
These updates aim to enhance the international student experience and support them in achieving their academic goals.
Temporary maximum limit for study permits
On January 22, 2024, the federal government announced a two-year time limit on the approval of study permit applications. It is expected that about 360 new study permits will be issued to international students in 2024, a 35 percent decrease compared to 2023. The cap for 2025 will be set at the end of this year.
Each province and territory will also set a cap on the number of new international students enrolled in undergraduate programmes. Provinces that have experienced unsustainable growth in the number of international students will see steeper cuts to their study permit allotments. For example, in Ontario, a 50 percent reduction in approval of study permits is expected.
In addition, provinces and territories will be able to set maximum limits on study permits for universities and colleges within their jurisdictions. The cap will not apply to international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree in Canada, and current international students renewing their Canadian study permits will also not be affected.
How will this affect you as a student in Canada?
Capping the number of international students greatly affects those applying for study permits. As an international student, you may be concerned about how this new cap will affect your chances of obtaining a Canadian study permit. As fewer study permits are approved, admission into Canadian programs is expected to become more competitive.
In case you are pursuing a master's or doctoral program in Canada, your chances may not be greatly affected. However, students interested in undergraduate programmes, such as bachelor's, diploma or certificate programmes, may have difficulty qualifying for a study permit.
The decline in the numbers of study permits issued is also expected to be more drastic in some provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia, which may increase the degree of competition for students interested in those provinces.
In addition, students who apply for study permits after January 22, 2024 will need to obtain a letter of attestation from the province or territory in which they plan to study, which is further proof of the legitimacy of their application. This document, along with other papers such as Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and proof of financial support, will be necessary for students to submit their applications.
However, the federal government has provided provinces and territories time until March 31, 2024 to prepare the process of issuing letters of attestation for international students, and this may result in longer processing times and delays in the study permit application process for some students applying in the summer of 2024.
Increased cost of living requirements for international students
Effective January 1, 2024, the cost of living requirement for international students has been increased from $10,000 to $20,635, and this does not include tuition fees. The minimum proof of financial support needed to study in Quebec will be US$15,078 (excluding international students under the age of 18, who will need to show access to at least US$7,541).
Therefore, students who apply for a Canadian study permit on or after January 1, 2024 will need to provide sufficient evidence of financial support to meet the revised cost of living requirements. Please note that as an international student, you will not need to pay these funds to IRCC or your academic institution. You just need to have this money available to pay for your living expenses during your studies.
The upward revision to the cost of living requirements was made to reflect a more realistic picture of international students' living expenses in Canada, ensuring they have sufficient funds to cover the costs of living in the country. This comes as a result of the high cost of housing and other daily expenses in Canada, as there have been reports of international students finding it difficult to meet their financial needs in the past.
This increase in the cost of living enhances the ability of international students to focus on their studies without worrying about financial aspects. This step also reflects the Canadian government's commitment to providing a study environment that encourages success for international students.
In addition, setting limits on the number of study permits issued each year is a step aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of higher education in Canada. Although this may make the admission and study permit process more competitive, it will also ensure the quality of education provided to international students and will provide suitable job opportunities for graduates in Canada.
Overall, these changes are expected to enhance the reputation of the International Student Program in Canada and contribute to making it more robust and sustainable in the future.
Changes to work permit after graduation
Changes have been made to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to benefit international students who graduate from bachelor's, diploma, master's or doctoral programs in Canada. It is now possible for these students to apply for a post-graduation work permit for up to 18 months, instead of the previous maximum of 12 months.
Extension of maximum part-time working hours
The extension of the temporary exemption to allow international students to work more than 20 hours per week while studying means that this exemption will continue until April 30, 2024. Students will be able to work additional hours and increase their income to meet their financial needs during their time studying in Canada.