Canada Study Visa Update 2024: IRCC Announces New Changes to Study Visa

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made important announcements in 2024 that will affect foreign students studying in Canada, particularly those looking to get permanent residence (PR). These modifications will be discussed in this article along with how they will affect foreign students studying in Canada.

Difficulties in Foreign Students Obtaining Permanent Residence (PR)

Upon graduating from Canada’s designated learning institutions (DLIs), international students encounter many obstacles on their path to permanent residence. Notwithstanding their accomplishments in the classroom and their contributions to Canadian culture and the economy, acquiring permanent residence (PR) requires navigating intricate immigration laws and fulfilling requirements.

The Function of the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

For international graduates, acquiring a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a critical step toward gaining PR. After completing their courses, graduates can work in Canada under the PGWP, obtaining significant work experience that increases their eligibility for various economic immigration programs.

Modifications and Possible Reforms to PGWP

The PGWP’s terms and conditions could alter in the future to reflect Canada’s changing immigration goals. The PGWP structure may change, as suggested by recent debates, which may have an impact on how graduates arrange their move from temporary to permanent status in Canada.

Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)

Typically, foreign graduates use the Express Entry system’s Canadian Experience Class (CEC) to petition for permanent residence. This stream is intended for people who have worked in Canada, even if it was done so during their PGWP.

Requirements & Qualification Standards

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which enable provinces and territories to nominate people based on regional labor market requirements and other criteria, may also be included in PR paths. PNPs frequently offer pathways to permanent residence (PR) in particular provinces or territories through streams designed exclusively for foreign graduates.

Effects on Foreign Graduates

For international graduates, navigating Canada’s immigration procedure can be difficult. Their prospects of obtaining permanent residence are influenced by variables like waiting periods, prioritized occupations, and language competency requirements. If they can’t get PR while their PGWP is still valid, they could have to leave Canada unless they can get another type of legal status.

Methods for Improving Your PR Eligibility

International graduates should concentrate on obtaining relevant job experience, particularly in high-demand industries like healthcare, STEM areas, trades, transportation, and agriculture, to increase their prospects of obtaining PR. French language proficiency can also improve eligibility, supporting Canada’s preference for bilingual applicants in specific immigration streams.

Provincial Initiatives Designed to Attract Foreign Graduates

For foreign graduates, several provinces have dedicated immigration routes. These are a few important programs:

Alberta

• Alberta Opportunity Stream
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• Graduate Entrepreneur Stream

British Columbia

• International Post-Graduate Category
• International Graduate Category

Manitoba

• Employer Direct Recruitment Pathway
• Manitoba Work Experience Pathway
• Graduate Internship Pathway
• International Education Stream

Newfoundland and Labrador

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• International Graduate Category

Nova Scotia

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Stream
• International Graduate In-Demand Stream

Ontario

• Employer Job Offer Category
• Masters or PhD Category
• Human Capital Category

Saskatchewan

• International Graduate Entrepreneur Category
• Student Sub-Category
• Saskatchewan Experience Category

Conclusion

To further their careers and personal lives, overseas students are still drawn to Canada. The latest adjustments emphasize how crucial it is to prepare ahead and keep up with changing immigration laws. International graduates should be informed about PGWP rules, PR procedures, and local initiatives to successfully negotiate their path to permanent residence in Canada