Being a diverse and multicultural society, Canada is known for welcoming people from various backgrounds. This, along with having plenty of high quality and affordable education options, as well as providing an opportunity to work in Canada once said education has been completed, makes Canada one of the most sought-after destinations by students looking to work and study overseas. Canada part time salary for students, meaning students can work part-time and earn a salary, is also a huge draw for international students.
However, if you’ve chosen Canada to be the country where you pursue your higher education, you should know that the Canadian government has introduced 5 new rules for international students in the year 2024. And depending on what program you choose to follow, it may affect you in various ways.
New rules for international Students in Canada
- Temporal federal cap on international student intake
In simpler terms, this means there is a limit set by the government for the number of international students who can be admitted to study in the country within a certain period of time. The cap for 2024 is set for 360,000 students; a 35% reduction from 2023. The cap for the year 2025 will be set by the end of 2024.
How does it impact you, a student looking to move to Canada?
Mostly it increases the competition for study permits. Therefore, it’s important that you apply early, making sure that all your documents are in order (so there will be no delay in your application being accepted). It’s also a good idea to use every strategy possible to improve your likelihood of getting a student permit, like applying for institutions with higher acceptance rates and securing strong financial documentation.
- Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
There is a new eligibility criterion for PGWPs, in which students enrolling in programs at private colleges delivering licensed curriculum will no longer be eligible for PGWPs. So, starting from September 2024, there will be limited work opportunities post-graduation from affected institutions. To avoid it impacting you, it’s vital that you choose institutions that are eligible for PGWPs. If this is not possible, then it’s best to explore alternative pathways for staying in Canada post your graduation.
Remember that these rules are aimed at creating a more controlled and sustainable environment for you, the international student, and to ensure that the PGWP program supports the needs of the country.
- Longer PGWPs for Master’s Graduates
In contrast, Masters Graduates are receiving a new benefit. Graduates of Masters will now be eligible for a 3 year work permit, regardless of the length of their program. This means you, the international student, will be gaining more opportunities to experience working in Canada. This extended time to work is also a great opportunity to potentially work on your permanent residency. Apart from participating in a Masters program, planning career moves during the extended PGWP period is also a great way to take advantage of this new benefit.
- Changes to Spousal Open Work Permit Eligibility
As mentioned previously, Canada part time salary for students is a major draw for why students choose to study in Canada. However, if you are planning on bringing your spouse with you, hoping for them to work while you study, know that there has been a new restriction placed where it states that ONLY spouses of students enrolled in Masters, Doctoral and Professional programs will be eligible for open work permits. Unfortunately, this means students of other programs may face challenges in obtaining work permits.
To avoid this affecting you, especially if this a priority to you, it’s best to either select a program that supports spousal work permits or explore other options for spouse employment in Canada.
- Updated Cost-of-Living Requirements for Students
Financial proof required for living expenses has seen an increase, due to the fact that there have been unfortunate reports of students finding it hard to make ends meet with the less realistic previous fund amount. This is mostly due to the cost of housing and other living expenses rising in the last few years.
Starting from January 1, 2024, students must now show that they have at least $20,635 (up from $10,000) to cover their living expenses. It is important to note that there are different requirements for Quebec.
And although this unfortunately means it’s a higher financial burden on you, and you’re required to provide a more substantial proof of funds, if you budget yourself, and secure additional financial resources, you’ll find yourself able to overcome this hurdle. It is also important to understand the financial requirements of your specific province of study.
