Canada takes a bold step to ensure international students

Canada, known for its top-notch education, is one of the most preferred destinations for international students from all over the world. To ensure international students’ have a smooth ride, Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced a significant update.

Starting January 1st 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be increased. This move ensures that international students are adequately prepared for life in Canada. The financial threshold will be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO).

Key Changes for 2024

Previous Requirement: $10,000 (since the early 2000s) for a single applicant.

New Requirement: $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to the first year’s tuition and travel costs.

This adjustment will prevent the students from facing unexpected challenges as it addresses the growing disparity between the cost of living and the financial requirements. This way they will never feel that they have inadequate funds to sustain in Canada.

The change applies to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.

Commitment to Support: Pilots for Underrepresented Cohorts

The increased financial requirement has the soul motive to safeguard international students, however, the impact may vary from applicant to applicant. In 2024, in collaboration with partners, targeted pilots will be implemented to test new ideas, specifically designed to assist underrepresented cohorts of international students in pursuing their studies in Canada.

This will help foster an inclusive environment for all students, ensuring that the benefits of studying in Canada are accessible to everyone.

Ensuring Quality Education

Canada’s topmost priority for international students is quality education. Recent reforms to the International Student Program focus on recognizing institutions providing top-quality services and support, including housing. Learning institutions are expected to accept a number of students that they can adequately support, emphasizing the importance of student well-being.

Looking Forward to September 2024 Semester 

As we prepare for the September 2024 semester, we are committed to taking necessary measures, including visa limitations, to guarantee that designated learning institutions provide sufficient student support as part of the academic experience.

Updates on Temporary Policies

Minister Miller also provided updates on three temporary policies affecting international students:

• Extension of Off-Campus Work Hours:
  The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work will be extended to April 30, 2024

Applicants who have already submitted an application for a study permit as of December 7, 2023, and international students already in Canada, will be able to work off campus more than 20 hours per week until that time. 

Future options, such as expanding off-campus work hours to 30 hours per week, are under consideration. 

• Continuation of Distance Learning Facilitation:
  Students beginning a study program before September 1, 2024, can continue to count time spent studying online towards a post-graduation work permit, as long as it constitutes less than 50% of the program.
• Conclusion of Additional 18-Month Work Permit:
  The temporary policy providing an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders will not be extended beyond December 31, 2023.

Foreign nationals with a post-graduation work permit expiring up to December 31, 2023, remain eligible to apply

These changes aim to address vulnerabilities and enhance the integrity of the International Student Program, ensuring a positive and secure experience for every student.

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