To address the growing influx of international students, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented substantial modifications to the International Student Program (ISP) beginning in 2024. These measures aim to enhance educational opportunities and immigration pathways across Canada while ensuring sustainable resource management.
Effective January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was substantially increased to accurately reflect actual living expenses in Canada. International students must now demonstrate proof of funds showing at least $20,635 (previously $10,000) for annual living costs. This significant increase ensures that students have adequate financial resources to support themselves throughout their studies.
Detailed Implementation of the New Cap
In 2024, IRCC established a strict limit of approximately 360,000 new permits for international students. This cap serves to stabilize and regulate the overall number of incoming students, ensuring proper allocation of resources including housing, healthcare, and other essential services throughout Canada.
Comprehensive Requirements for Provincial Attestation Letter
The new requirements mandate that most new college and undergraduate international students obtain a provincial attestation letter to ensure compliance with allocated provincial caps. This system helps distribute students more evenly across provinces and territories.
Exemptions from the Provincial Attestation Letter Requirements
Certain international students are exempt from Provincial Attestation Letter requirements following recent changes. The exemption list encompasses: primary and secondary school students, master’s or doctoral degree students, in-Canada visiting or exchange students studying at a designated learning institution, in-Canada study permit and work permit holders (including study permit holders applying for an extension), in-Canada family members of study permit or work permit holders, and students whose applications were received before 8:30 a.m. EST on January 22, 2024.
Extended PGWP Coverage
All master’s degree graduates can now obtain a three-year work permit, regardless of their program duration. This enhancement aims to increase their Canadian work experience opportunities and facilitate career development.
Enhancing Workforce Integration Through PGWP
This initiative accelerates the transition to permanent residency by providing substantial local work experience, which proves crucial for establishing a career in Canada and contributing to the national economy.
Inclusion of Public-Private Partnership Graduates in PGWP
Graduates from approved public-private partnership college programs qualify for PGWP, demonstrating IRCC’s acknowledgment of diverse educational models and their contribution to the Canadian workforce.
Specific Eligibility Criteria for PGWP
Comprehensive standards and guidelines specify which partnership programs qualify, ensuring educational quality and relevance that aligns with Canadian workforce requirements and economic development goals.
Refined Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Permits
Significant modifications have been made to spousal open work permit eligibility. Spousal open work permits are now exclusively available to spouses or common-law partners of graduate and professional degree students. This change aligns spousal work permits with long-term economic contribution objectives.
Restrictions on open work permits exclude partners of students in lower-level educational programs, prioritizing resources towards high-potential contributors to the Canadian economy and ensuring program sustainability.
These updates demonstrate Canada’s commitment to maintaining a balanced approach in managing international student intake while maximizing benefits to the Canadian economy. The changes ensure the education system’s long-term sustainability and support students’ aspirations for successful integration into the Canadian workforce. For expert guidance on navigating these new requirements, consult with our experienced immigration lawyers who can help ensure your study permit application meets all current standards.
