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! 

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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! 

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1. Do I need a study permit in Canada?

A study permit is required if you are a foreign national who intends to undergo educational, professional, vocational, or other training within Canada from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for a minimum of 6 months.

2. What is a Designated Learning Institution? 

A designated learning institution (DLI) is an institution approved by the provincial and territorial governments to admit international students.

3. How do I apply for a study permit?

One main requirement is that you be admitted to a DLI in Canada at the time of the application. For more information on how to obtain a study permit, contact our immigration lawyers.

4. When should I apply for a study permit?

You should apply for a study permit as soon as you are admitted into a DLI as processing times vary.

5. Do I need to change my study permit if I am changing schools?

No, you do not need to change your study permit if you are changing schools. You must, however, apply to change the conditions of your study permit. For more information on how to do so, contact Brace Law’s immigration lawyers.

6. How long will it take to process my study permit application?

Processing times vary depending on the type of application you submit and the country from which you are submitting.

7. Will I still need a study permit if I plan to study in Canada for less than 6 months?

Applying for a study permit if you plan to study for less than 6 months depends on your location at the time of your application, and whether you are a fully vaccinated traveller. For more information on how to apply, contact our immigration lawyers.

8. Can I go back home while studying? 

Yes, you are able to travel to your home country while on a study permit. However, you will require either a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) upon return, as your study permit alone doesn’t authorize re-entry into Canada.

9. How long can I stay in Canada with a study permit?

You may stay in Canada for the duration of your study program at a DLI, in addition to 90 extra days.

10. Can I work while studying in Canada?

You can work while studying in Canada if there is a condition on your study permit that allows you to do so. However, you cannot work in Canada prior to your study program beginning.

11. Will I be eligible to look for work in Canada after I graduate?

To be eligible to work in Canada after you graduate, you can apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) from inside Canada if you meet the eligibility requirements. For more information about the application process, contact our immigration lawyers at Brace Law.

We hope that these answers have helped you better understand the process for obtaining a Study Permit in Canada. If you are still unsure, or need additional guidance with the application process, the team at Brace Law is here to help!  Head to our Immigration Information page, submit your information, and one of our Immigration lawyers will be in contact… it’s as simple as that! When you work with Brace Law, you can Consider It Handled!

We serve our clients in English, Mandarin, Italian, Albanian, Arabic, Punjabi, Farsi, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Urdu, with Offices In Oakville And Vaughan. Call us at 905-815-6555 or email admin@bracelaw.ca. We can help! We Offer Consultations & Meetings by Phone & Virtually. Affordable Fees.

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Ontario has a lot of Great schools, colleges and universities. Before asking for professional legal advice, you should have already done your research to know which school, college or university you prefer to attend.

To be approved for a study permit you are required to apply for a study permit if your education is 6 months or longer. If you are coming into Canada to study English or to improve your English and the course is up to six months, you don’t need a study permit. If you are enrolling in a college or university, you would need a study permit because usually the programs are longer than 6 months.

You also need to be enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in order to be approved for a study permit. A DLI is a school approved by a provincial or territorial government to host international students. All primary and secondary schools in Canada are designated learning institutions. If you plan to attend a post-secondary school, make sure it is on this list.

You need to know if you are eligible to work after you graduate. Not all designated learning institutions make you eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Along with graduating from an eligible designated learning institution, you need to meet all other criteria to get a post-graduation work permit. Find out more on the DLI website. If you apply at a program in a popular college or university, you would be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit once you graduate. This permit would allow you to work at any desired workplace for a certain amount of years.

Most universities in Ontario; Brock, York, University of Guelph, University of Toronto, Ryerson, etc., are approved for the Post-Graduate Work Permit. Most colleges like Seneca, George Brown, Humber, etc. also have programs that are eligible for Post-Graduate Work Permit.

Once you have applied to the school of your choice, you must have a Letter of Acceptance. Without a Letter of Acceptance, you cannot start a study permit application. Most colleges or universities will require that you take a language requirement test. They will also require you to make a tuition deposit. You will need the confirmation of this deposit once you have been accepted in order to apply for your study permit application

Another thing that is required is Proof of Funds that are separate from your tuition funds or your education funds. You need to show that you have enough money to survive as a student without work in Canada or without any financial assistance. Usually $10,000 is required to show that you have enough funds to survive for 1 year.

Brace Law can help you through the process of getting a study permit in Canada.  We also have teachers on our staff who can assist students with finding the right educational institution and help guide you in the right direction.

For more details, contact Brace Law at 905-815-6555 or email admin@bracelaw.ca

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