January 31st, 2024 at 12:33 am

Spousal Open Work Permits: 2024 Changes to Canada Student Visa Rules

Significant modifications to several immigration programs, including the requirements for student visas and the Spousal Open Work Permit, have been announced recently by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. This thorough manual seeks to answer the most important queries and worries brought up by these modifications and offers information on the consequences for those who are currently in the immigration process.

Latest Updates

The minister made announcements on January 23, 2024, about the post-graduate work permit, student visas, and the end of the open work permit for spouses. Although the effect on already-existing files is now clear, there are still questions about when these modifications will be put into effect.

Impact on Existing Applications

The current modifications will not impact the files of those who have open work permit applications for their spouses that are still pending. Approvals are still being given and applications that are in the processing stage will keep being handled. But given the current state of affairs, future developments must be carefully considered.

Opportunities for Immediate Application

Since there is no set date for the spousal open work permit cessation to take effect, those who are thinking about this option should move quickly. Given the unpredictable nature of future policy changes, applying sooner rather than later may boost your chances of approval.

Eligibility of Spouses of New Student Visa Holders

Spouses of prospective students who have not yet enrolled in Canadian colleges may still apply for a spousal open work visa together. As of right now, there is no set deadline, so those who intend to study in Canada have the chance to start the spousal application procedure.

Travel Options for Approved Spousal Visas

Spouses whose visas have been approved but who haven’t yet visited Canada can do so at any time, even before the current news. Those whose visas are approved can arrange their move following the spousal open work permit approval, which is granted independently of travel.

Adding Dependents to Student Visa Applications

It is now possible for applicants for student visas to add their spouses and families at the same time. With this option, the application procedure can be expedited and family members can accompany the student to Canada for the duration of their studies.

Continuing Eligibility for PGWP Holders

Students can still invite their spouses to join them in Canada if they have a post-graduate work permit (PGWP). The modifications to the spousal open work permit do not impact this option for individuals enrolled in university degree programs or certain Advanced Studies.

Considerations for Private College Students

It is recommended that students attending private universities review the most recent roster of establishments with official authorization. Because spouses can only be called to Canada by students from approved schools, timely steps like switching to a government university can help with spousal immigration.

The fluidity of Canadian immigration laws is demonstrated by the modifications to the regulations governing student visas and spousal open work permits. People are urged to remain informed, act promptly, and think about how uncertainty can affect their immigration plans while it lasts.

Cap and Impact on Current Students

The imposition of a cap on the total number of research licenses granted is one of the main modifications. A cap of 300,000 study visas is in place as of January 2024. There are concerns regarding this cap’s potential effects on people who have already obtained a study visa or are enrolled in courses in Canada.

The explanation is crucial. Those who currently hold study permits are not affected by the cap in the past. However, a higher profile becomes crucial for prospective applicants, especially in the post-cap era.

Changes in College Affiliation and Work Permits

There has been a notable change in the legislation regarding the combination of private and public universities. Previously, students might be eligible for work permits after graduation from even private colleges that were associated with state universities. However, this will no longer be the case as of September 1, 2024.

Work permits will no longer be granted to students enrolled in private colleges affiliated through curriculum licensing agreements once they graduate. It’s important to stress that enrollments will be affected by this change beginning on September 1, 2024.

Campus Classification and Spousal Applications

Many students are looking for clarification on campus classification, specifically if a school is public, private, or affiliated. Finding this information is essential, and it is frequently available on the relevant College’s official website. Furthermore, the categorization of a student may not always be determined by the actual campus they attend.

Finding out the state of the main campus is crucial to figuring out if you qualify for work permits after graduation.