Why is the cap implemented? 

On January 22, 2024, Marc Miller, the Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, announced that the Government of Canada has implemented a cap on international students. The decision to implement a two-year cap on study permit applications has been made to protect the interests of international students. Several institutions in Canada have made a significant amount of profit by increasing their intake, leading to students landing in Canada without proper support.  

The cap will facilitate a substantial reduction in provinces that has seen an unsustainable growth of international students in the past few years. The Canadian government plans to stabilize the recent growth over the next two years. As a part of this plan, they aim to reduce the number of approved study permit applications by approximately 35% (around 360,000) compared to 2023. The cap on the number of study permits will be distributed among designated learning institutions (DLI) within each province or territory.  

As of January 22, 2024, you will now require an attestation letter while submitting your study permit application to IRCC from the province or territory you plan to stay in during your studies. 

Who will not be affected?  

You will not be affected if you are:  

• On a study permit 
• Pursuing a Master’s or a Doctoral degree 
• In elementary and secondary education 
• Renewing your study permit 

How will the cap affect your post-graduation work permit? 

The government has also changed the guidelines for PGWP (Post Graduation Work Permit): 

• Starting May 15, 2024, international students enrolled in public-private colleges will no longer be eligible for PGWP. So, if you start your program of studies under the public-private licensing arrangement on or after May 15, 2024, you will not be given a work permit upon graduation. You will have to obtain a work permit separately to be allowed to stay in Canada after your studies. 

• If you are pursuing a master’s program in Canada, you will soon have the option to apply for a 3-year work permit. Currently, the length of a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is determined by the length of the program, which can be a challenge for master’s students. This upcoming change will enable you to gain work experience in Canada for a longer period, which may help you qualify for permanent residency in Canada. 

• An open work permit will only be issued to your spouse if you are an international student enrolled in a master’s or a doctorate course. If you are an international student enrolled in an undergraduate or other college program, your spouses are no longer eligible for an open work permit. 

Want to know if you’re still eligible for PGWP? 

If you want to learn more about the new guidelines, Brace Law can provide you with expert guidance and assistance. Our team of experienced professionals can help you navigate through the process.  

To get started, contact Brace Law at 905-815-6555 or email staff@bracelaw.ca. We offer consultations and services in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Russian, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu. Trust Brace Law for reliable legal support! 

The post Canada has implemented a cap on international students appeared first on Bracelaw.

Temporary off-campus work measures will not be renewed 

Marc Miller, the Immigration Minister on April 29, 2024, announced the new guidelines on off-campus work policy for international students. The temporary work policy that allowed students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus will not be extended after April 30, 2024. This comes as a surprise to many as Canada was considering a 30-hour-per-week off-campus work policy for international students. 

International Students on their scheduled academic break will be allowed to work an unlimited number of hours, however, those attending summer classes must comply with the 20-hours-per-week rule. 

Balancing Work and Studies 

The decision to limit off-campus work hours is supported by research showing that working too many hours while studying can hinder the academic performance of students.  

Marc Miller, the Immigration Minister stated “As international students arrive in Canada; we want them to be prepared for life here and have the support they need to succeed. However, first and foremost, people coming to Canada as students must be here to study, not work. We will continue working to protect the integrity of our student program.” 

Starting this fall international students will be allowed to work up to 24 hours per week while their classes are in session. which would likely be sufficient combined with the increased cost of living requirement for international students announced back in December 2023 (a single study permit applicant must show additional funds of CAD $20,635 along with their tuition fees). 

Other Developments 

IRCC will also continue to develop the new Recognized Institution Framework to recognize post-secondary institutions that demonstrate excellence in the selection, support, and retention of international students. 

Want to Study in Canada? 

If you are looking to study in Canada and learn about the new guidelines, Brace Law can provide you with expert guidance and assistance. Our team of experts can help you navigate through the process successfully. 

To begin, contact Brace Law at 905-815-6555 or email staff@bracelaw.ca. We offer consultations and services in multiple languages, including English, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Russian, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam and Urdu. Trust Brace Law for reliable legal support! 

The post New guidelines on off-campus work policy for international students   appeared first on Bracelaw.