“Stay updated on Canada’s latest immigration policies as it expands work rights for international students and revises financial proof requirements. Learn how these changes may impact your study and work opportunities in Canada.”
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Minister Marc Miller made a number of significant announcements on December 7, 2023, that will impact foreign students studying in or planning to study in Canada. These regulations will shield overseas students from rising living expenses and current housing shortages.
Work Rights for International Students in Canada
The minimum financial requirement that students must provide with their study visa application will increase from C$10,000, where it has been for almost 20 years, to C$20,635 on January 1, 2024, in order to reflect the growing cost of living.
Furthermore, the exempt from working hour restrictions that was previously scheduled to conclude on December 31 for overseas students has been extended until April 30, 2024. This makes it possible for students to work more than 20 hours a week during the winter semester off campus. Additionally, Minister Miller gave updates on a few short-term initiatives pertaining to work permits after graduation, which are listed below.
For additional information and understanding of how these adjustments can impact you as an adviser, recruitment partner, or international student, continue reading.
Work Rights for International Students Overview
| Article name | Canada Expands Work Rights for International Students in 2024 |
| Year | 2024 |
| Country | Canada |
| Agency | Canada Revenue Agency |
| Announcements | December 7, 2023 |
| Start Date | January 1, 2024 |
| Payment Extension Date | April 30, 2024 |
| Post type | Finance |
| Website | https://www.canada.ca/en/ |
Increased Cost-of-Living Expenses Minimum for Students
The most significant statement in this bundle of news may be Canada’s updated standards for the type of financial support that must be provided on a student’s study permit application.
International students must demonstrate their ability to maintain a certain amount of savings when applying for a Canadian study permit, often known as a student visa, demonstrating their ability to pay for their studies and living in Canada. This sum has been set at CAD $10,000 (plus travel expenses and one year’s tuition) for a single candidate over the previous few years. Nevertheless, this is an unreasonably low figure for students to budget for due to growing living expenses.
From now on, the IRCC will increase this financial requirement annually, depending on the most recent Statistics Canada low-income cut-off. A single applicant will need to demonstrate in 2024 that they have access to C$20,635 in addition to having sufficient money to pay for their first full year of tuition and travel expenses.
Starting on January 1, 2024, this increased minimum sum will apply to all new applications for study permits. This modification also affects applicants using Canada’s Student Direct Stream, which demands that candidates submit a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as confirmation of their ability to pay for their education. GIC sums were previously limited to C$10,000, but they will now need to be at least C$20,635.
Waiver for Working Hours Limit Extended to April
While the main focus of Minister Miller’s announcement was the increased financial requirement, he also gave some pertinent updates on a few other short-term actions that directly affect students.
When the overseas Relations and Cultural Council (IRCC) first made this announcement in the fall of 2022, it stated that overseas students who had a study visa that allowed them to work off-campus for more than the normal 20 hours per week would be allowed to do so starting on November 15, 2022, and continuing through 2023.
This temporary waiver has been extended until April 30, 2024 from its original expiration date of December 31, 2023. This extension is valid for foreign students who are currently enrolled in courses in Canada as well as for new applicants who will be applying for study permits by December 7, 2023.
International students have benefited greatly from this work-hours exemptions. They can now graduate with more work experience, choose their own working hours more freely, and make more money to help pay for their education.
A noteworthy point is that Minister Miller did not rule out permanently increasing the working hours cap to 30 hours per week, even though the extension is only in place until the end of April. According to the official press release:
“We are still looking at ways to improve this policy in the future, like allowing international students to work off-campus up to 30 hours a week while classes are in session.”
Post-Graduation Work Permit Updates
The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant adjustments and movement limitations in recent years. As a result, the Canadian government has implemented temporary amendments to its widely-used Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program.
One of these policies permitted foreign students to complete their coursework remotely via the internet rather than in Canada, with the study hours still used toward a future PGWP (up to a maximum of 50% of the program of study). According to the IRCC, this policy will still be in place for any students who start a study program in Canada before September 1, 2024, which is the last day on which students can take advantage of this special regulation.
Canada had previously announced extensions for eligible PGWP holders who were unable to fully utilize their PGWP after graduating, also because of the pandemic. These PGWP holders were able to work in Canada and obtain experience thanks to an additional work permit. Minister Miller reaffirmed today that the extension is still available to people whose PGWPs expire before the end of 2023, but that there would be no more extensions to this policy.
These revisions from Canada’s International Relations and Cultural Council (IRCC) make it easier for foreign students to live, work, and study successfully in Canada. ApplyBoard is pleased that the Canadian government is acting to resolve a number of the concerns raised recently that affect overseas students.
We anticipate that further steps will be taken in 2024 to ensure that international students in Canada receive the essential support and assistance they need to thrive.
As usual, please consult the IRCC website’s news page for the most recent information.
Canada Updates for International Students
Summary:
Minister Marc Miller of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant updates affecting international students in Canada on December 7, 2023. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum financial requirement for study permit applications will increase from C$10,000 to C$20,635, reflecting the rising cost of living. Additionally, the waiver on working hour limits for international students, which was set to expire on December 31, 2023, has been extended to April 30, 2024.
This allows students to work off campus for more than 20 hours per week during the winter semester. Updates on temporary measures related to post-graduation work permits were also provided. These changes aim to protect international students from the challenges posed by increased living costs and housing issues in Canada.
FAQs on Higher Cost-of-Living Financial Minimum for Students:
What is the new minimum financial requirement for study permit applications in Canada?
Answer: The new minimum financial requirement is C$20,635, effective from January 1, 2024.
Why was the minimum financial requirement increased?
Answer: The increase reflects the rising cost of living in Canada, ensuring that international students have sufficient financial support.
Does the new requirement apply to all study permit applications, including those through the Student Direct Stream?
Answer: Yes, the new requirement applies to all new study permit applications, including those through the Student Direct Stream.
How often will the financial requirement be adjusted in the future?
Answer: The financial requirement will be adjusted annually based on the latest low-income cut-off as reported by Statistics Canada.
What additional expenses do students need to cover besides the minimum financial requirement?
Answer: Students need to cover their travel expenses and the cost of their first full year of tuition.
Are there any exceptions to the minimum financial requirement?
Answer: There are no exceptions mentioned; all applicants must meet the minimum financial requirement.
Can students use scholarships or sponsorships to meet the financial requirement?
Answer: Yes, scholarships or sponsorships can be used to meet the financial requirement if they cover the required amount.
Is the financial requirement the same for all applicants, regardless of their country of origin?
Answer: Yes, the financial requirement is the same for all applicants.
Will students currently studying in Canada be affected by the increase in the financial requirement?
Answer: The increase in the financial requirement applies to new study permit applications; existing students are not affected.
How can students prove they meet the financial requirement?
Answer: Students can provide bank statements, scholarship letters, or other financial documents as proof of meeting the requirement.
Can students appeal the decision if they cannot meet the financial requirement?
Answer: It’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities for guidance on appealing decisions regarding the financial requirement.
Does the financial requirement vary depending on the duration of the study program?
Answer: The financial requirement is based on annual adjustments and does not vary based on the duration of the study program.
Are there resources available to help students understand and meet the financial requirement?
Answer: Yes, students can seek guidance from immigration advisors or official government websites for information on meeting the financial requirement.
Can students apply for a study permit without meeting the financial requirement?
Answer: It’s unlikely that a study permit application will be approved if the applicant does not meet the minimum financial requirement.
Is the financial requirement waived for certain categories of students, such as refugees?
Answer: Specific waivers or exemptions may apply to certain categories of students; individuals should inquire with immigration authorities for clarification.
