February 8th, 2024 at 01:14 am

Canada Student Visa New Rules 2024 Announced by IRCC | Canada Immigration

Canada just put into effect a set of revolutionary regulations that will apply to foreign students starting in 2024. With the implementation of these regulations, the educational experience for students in the nation will be redefined, opening a new chapter in Canada’s dedication to promoting an inclusive and diverse learning environment.

International students and stakeholders alike stand to gain important insights into how Canadian education is changing as we examine the nuances of these new rules.

Are you going to be a foreign student in Canada soon? As the globe of possibility expands for you, there are certain fundamental laws and regulations that all international students need to be aware of. The new regulations for foreign students in Canada aim to enhance their educational experience rather than limit it. They are in place to make sure your time studying and interacting with Canadian culture goes smoothly and to position you for success during your stay.

New Rules for International Students in Canada 2024

1. Increase in Cost of Living

For all applicants submitting on or after January 1, 2024, there is an additional cost of living requirement of $2,635 in addition to the first year’s tuition and travel fees for study permits in Canada. Moreover, the quantity of family members who accompany an international student increases the necessary living expenditures.

This was previously fixed at $10,000 in the early 2000s and never raised, making it difficult for international students to cover their basic needs.

2. Cap on the Number of International Students Coming to Canada

Even though it is commonly known, it is crucial to stress that Canada has limited the number of visas it will grant to foreign students. Only 360,000 new study permits will be granted in Canada this year due to a 35% reduction in the number of permits, which will not be accepted by Canada beyond 66.6% in 2024.

Therefore, make sure you are aware of the cap on the number of international students in Canada who can apply for new study permits or extensions from within the country before applying. Applications for study permit to enroll in a graduate program at the Master’s or doctorate level or to study at the primary or secondary school level C

3. New Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement

The majority of new study permit applications must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where the applicant intends to study. These applications must be submitted after 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024, in Toronto. Provincial or territorial PAL issuance procedures have not yet been established. By March 31, 2024, the federal government hopes to have the PAL procedure established.

Exclusivity

If you are applying, the PAL requirement does not apply to new study permit applications;

• To complete grade 12 coursework in a preschool, elementary school, or high school
• Pursuing graduate or master’s level coursework
• To extend a study permit from Canada

4. Spouse Open Work Permit Eligibility Change

Open work permits will only be available to spouses of foreign students earning master’s and doctoral degrees in the upcoming weeks. The eligibility of spouses of international students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs will be discontinued.

The only people who are eligible for an open work visa are graduate students granting master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees, as well as their spouses and common-law partners.

Spouses and common-law partners of international students who want to extend their current work visas will still be eligible under this stream when these changes take effect. Spouses and common-law partners of overseas students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs at other educational levels will no longer be eligible for an open work permit unless they currently possess one under this stream.

5. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

A longer 3-year post-graduation work permit will be available to anyone who finishes a master’s program in less than two years and fulfills all other PGWP eligibility requirements as of February 15, 2024. For programs other than master’s degrees, the PGWP duration will match the study program duration up to a maximum of three years.

Who Qualifies for a Longer Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP)

A three-year PGWP is available to graduates of master’s degree programs that last less than two years, as well as PGWP-qualifying accredited learning institutions and graduates of at least two-year programs. Additionally, foreign students who enroll in courses under Curriculum Licensing Arrangements will no longer be qualified for a postgraduate work permit following graduation as of September 1, 2024.

Who is Eligible for a PGWP?

International students enrolled in public-private partnership college programs will continue to be eligible for a PGWP if they fulfill additional program eligibility requirements after completing their studies.

Who is Not Eligible for a PGWP

New students enrolling in public-private partnership college programs will not be eligible for a post-graduation employment visa after completing their degree.

The announcement of these new regulations demonstrates a commitment to both delivering an engaging experience for overseas students studying in Canada and to scholastic performance. The country is unwavering in its aim of creating a welcoming environment for Global Learners as we make our way through these transitions.

With these laws in place, overseas students looking to begin their academic journeys in the dynamic and diverse Canadian academic system have bright prospects.