Canada is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education and gain valuable work experience. However, in recent years, the Canadian government has introduced some changes to the eligibility criteria and processing times for international student permits.
These changes are aimed at preventing fraud, ensuring quality education, and protecting the interests of Canadian workers and employers. In this blog post, we will explain what these changes are, why they were implemented, and how they will affect prospective and current international students in Canada.
One of the major changes that the Canadian government has made is to limit the number of international student permits that can be issued per year. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the annual cap for 2024 is set at 500,000, which is a significant reduction from the previous years.
Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 14 (June 3 – Sept 2, 2024) begins registrations; get massive discounts with early registration here.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations here.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and invest in Africa’s finest startups here.
This means that not all applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be granted a permit, and some may have to wait longer or reapply in the next year. The IRCC says that this measure is necessary to maintain the integrity of the program and to ensure that there are enough resources and opportunities for international students who are already in Canada.
Another change that affects international students is the introduction of a new online portal for submitting applications and documents. The portal, which was launched in October 2023, is designed to streamline the application process and to reduce processing times.
However, some applicants have reported technical issues and delays in accessing the portal, especially during peak periods. The IRCC advises applicants to submit their applications well in advance of their intended start date and to check the status of their applications regularly on the portal.
A third change that impacts international students is the revision of the post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program. The PGWP program allows international students who have completed a qualifying program of study in Canada to work in Canada for up to three years after graduation.
This gives them an opportunity to gain Canadian work experience and to apply for permanent residency if they wish. However, starting from January 2024, the IRCC has tightened the eligibility criteria and the duration of the PGWP program. To qualify for a PGWP, international students must:
- Have completed a full-time program of at least eight months in duration at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada
- Have maintained a valid study permit throughout their program
- Have applied for a PGWP within 180 days of receiving their final marks or official notification of program completion
- Have a valid passport or travel document at the time of application
The duration of the PGWP will depend on the length of the program completed by the student. For programs that are less than two years in duration, the PGWP will be equal to the length of the program. For programs that are two years or longer in duration, the PGWP will be three years. However, if the student has previously obtained a PGWP, they will not be eligible for another one.
The IRCC says that these changes are intended to ensure that the PGWP program aligns with its objectives of attracting skilled workers and supporting economic recovery. However, some critics argue that these changes will discourage international students from choosing Canada as their study destination and will limit their options for staying and working in Canada after graduation.
These are some of the major changes that have affected or will affect international students who want to study and work in Canada. If you are an international student who is planning to apply for a study permit or a PGWP, you should familiarize yourself with these changes and prepare your application accordingly. You should also consult with an immigration consultant or lawyer if you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility or status.