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For international students, pursuing education abroad offers not just academic growth but also an opportunity to experience different cultures, gain work experience, and potentially build a future in a country that promises a higher quality of life. Canada, being a top study destination globally, is often at the forefront of these aspirations. If you're considering or already planning to study in Canada, it's crucial to stay updated with the recent changes in student visa rules that the Canadian government has introduced for 2024. These changes could significantly impact your study plans, especially regarding the study permit, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and spousal open work permit eligibility.
The Canadian government has imposed a temporary cap on the number of study permits issued to international students. In 2024, the number of study permits will decrease by 35% compared to 2023, limiting the intake to 360,000 new international students. This change is particularly focused on managing the number of students in provinces that have experienced rapid growth in international enrollments, such as Ontario and British Columbia. The decision on the cap for 2025 will be made at the end of 2024.
Starting September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in certain private colleges under public-private partnership agreements will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. This change targets institutions that may not meet the high educational standards expected by the Canadian government. However, a positive change is the extension of PGWPs for master’s graduates, who can now qualify for a three-year work permit, allowing them more time to gain Canadian work experience.
Spousal open work permits will now only be available to spouses of students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or professional programs such as law or medicine. This change excludes spouses of students in undergraduate and other non-professional programs from obtaining open work permits.
The cost of living requirement for international students has been doubled to $20,635, effective January 1, 2024. This increase ensures that students have adequate funds to cover their living expenses while studying in Canada, reflecting the rising cost of living in the country.
The new study permit cap is set to make the process of obtaining a Canadian study permit more competitive. The reduction in the number of permits issued means that students applying for undergraduate programs in provinces like Ontario may face tougher competition. Additionally, new applicants will need to submit an attestation letter from the province or territory they wish to study in, along with the existing documentation required for the study permit application. However, students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees will not be affected by the cap.
The PGWP program has been a significant pathway for international students to gain Canadian work experience and eventually apply for permanent residency. With the new changes, students enrolled in certain private colleges will no longer be eligible for PGWPs, a move aimed at ensuring that only students from reputable institutions benefit from this program. The extension of PGWPs to three years for master’s graduates is a welcome change, providing them with ample time to gather valuable work experience in Canada.
The PGWP program has been a significant pathway for international students to gain Canadian work experience and eventually apply for permanent residency. With the new changes, students enrolled in certain private colleges will no longer be eligible for PGWPs, a move aimed at ensuring that only students from reputable institutions benefit from this program. The extension of PGWPs to three years for master’s graduates is a welcome change, providing them with ample time to gather valuable work experience in Canada.The changes to the SOWP eligibility criteria reflect the Canadian government’s focus on supporting students in higher academic programs. By restricting open work permits to spouses of master’s, doctoral, and professional program students, the government aims to ensure that the spouses of students in programs that contribute more significantly to the Canadian economy and society are given priority.
