Lana Oconnell
Canada has long been a popular destination for international students, drawn to its high-quality educational institutions and the opportunity to work or immigrate post-graduation. However, in 2024, the Canadian government announced measures to stabilize the growth of international students, including reducing the number of new international student permits and introducing new rules around off-campus work hours. These changes aim to protect the integrity of the International Student Program and ensure students have the necessary support and resources for a positive academic experience. With these new regulations, it remains to be seen how accessible Canada will be for international students in the coming years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of new regulations | 2024 |
| Number of new international student permits | 360,000 |
| Work permits for spouses | Only for spouses of master's degree students whose programme is at least 16 months |
| Work permits for international students | Eligible to work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar |
| Compliance reporting | Twice a year |
| Study permits | Reduced by 10% from the 2024 target of 485,000 to 437,000 in 2025 and 2026 |
| Language proficiency | Minimum language proficiency in French or English required for a post-graduation work permit |
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What You'll Learn
Canada's new rules for international students in 2024
On November 15, 2024, the Canadian government announced new regulations for international students, which took effect immediately. These changes focus on three key areas:
Working Hours
International students in Canada are now permitted to work up to 24 hours a week during the academic school year, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week. Additionally, students who are eligible to work off-campus may work full-time during breaks in their academic calendar, such as summer or winter breaks. These changes provide international students with income, work experience, cultural integration, and networking opportunities.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) Reporting
DLIs that accept international students are now required to submit reports to the government twice a year to confirm that students are enrolled and abiding by the rules. If a DLI fails to submit these reports or verify acceptance letters, it may be investigated and prohibited from accepting new international students for up to a year. This change ensures greater oversight and compliance with the rules, strengthening the integrity of the International Student Program.
Transferring Institutions
International students who wish to transfer to a different school in Canada must now apply for a new study permit. This rule ensures that students attend approved schools and that their study permits are up to date. Additionally, the Canadian government is taking strong measures to verify the authenticity of Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) from schools, as there has been a rise in fraudulent attempts to gain entry to the country.
Overall, these new rules aim to protect international students, prevent fraud, and ensure that schools follow the correct guidelines. By stabilizing the growth of international student permits, the Canadian government seeks to support sustainable population growth while maintaining the social, cultural, and economic contributions of international students to the country.
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International students facing deportation
International students are a critical part of Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. However, in August 2024, thousands of international students in Canada faced deportation, sparking protests nationwide. There were various factors that led to this situation.
Firstly, some international students were accused of overstaying their visas or work permits. While some argued that this was not grounds for deportation, as visa expiration is a common occurrence for many visa holders, others called for stricter enforcement to prevent visa overstays and hold the students' home countries accountable.
Secondly, there were concerns about the lack of security checks for international students, which led to the discovery of forged acceptance letters and fake enrolment scams. In some cases, student visas were misused to bring gang members into the country. This prompted calls for mandatory criminal background checks and stricter admission rules for international students.
Additionally, the Canadian government's decision to stabilize the growth and decrease the number of new international student permits to 360,000 for 2024 may have contributed to the situation. This move aimed to protect the integrity of the international student system, address the misuse of student permits, and alleviate pressures on housing, healthcare, and other services. The government also announced changes to its immigration policies, including limiting study permits and reducing permanent residency nominations, which left many international students unexpectedly vulnerable to deportation.
The prospect of deportation caused significant frustration and desperation among international students, who felt they had invested heavily in the Canadian economy and contributed to its diversity and success. They advocated for extended post-graduate work permits, transparent pathways to permanent residency, and addressing systemic issues of exploitation.
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Work permits for spouses of international students
International students in Canada can apply for a spousal open work permit for their spouse or common-law partner. This permit allows the spouse to work full-time for any employer in Canada, except those listed as ineligible or those that offer specific services like erotic dances or escort services. The spousal open work permit is usually valid for the same duration as the student's study permit.
To be eligible for a spousal open work permit, the student must have a valid study permit and be enrolled in a master's degree program of 16 months or longer. The spouse must provide proof of enrolment in the program and meet the eligibility criteria. If the student is enrolled in other levels of study, such as undergraduate or college programs, their spouse will not be eligible for a spousal open work permit.
If the spouse already has an open work permit and wants to extend it, they must meet the eligibility criteria and ensure that their permit does not exceed the expiration date of the student's study permit. The spouse must provide proof of the student's enrolment in a full-time PGWP-eligible program at a designated learning institution (DLI) and ensure they are not in the last term of their study program.
It is important to note that applying to amend an application or include a spouse on a study permit application may impact the approval process and require additional documentation and fees. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their spouse during their stay in Canada.
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International Student Program sustainability
International students are a vital part of Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. However, in recent years, the integrity of the international student system has been threatened. To ensure the sustainability of the International Student Program, Canada has implemented several measures to stabilize the growth of international students and protect them from abuse within the system.
One key measure is the introduction of an intake cap on international student permit applications. This cap aims to stabilize new growth over a period of two years, addressing the rapid increase in international students, which has put pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. Additionally, new regulations require designated learning institutions (DLIs) to play a stronger role in preventing misuse of the program. DLIs must submit compliance reports and verify acceptance letters, with consequences for non-compliance, including suspension from welcoming new international students for up to a year. These changes strengthen the integrity of the program and safeguard academic experiences.
Another aspect of sustainability is ensuring that international students receive adequate support. To achieve this, Canada has restricted the number of new international student permits to 360,000 for 2024. This measure aims to ensure that students have access to the necessary resources and support for a positive study experience. It also helps alleviate the pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services, ensuring that international students can thrive during their time in Canada.
Furthermore, Canada has updated its work permit eligibility rules. While previously, spouses of international students at any level could obtain open work permits, now, eligibility is limited to spouses of master's degree students with programs of at least 16 months' duration. This change supports the government's goal of decreasing the number of temporary residents while still attracting international students. Additionally, all applicants for post-graduation work permits must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English to enhance their ability to transition to permanent residence.
To further enhance sustainability, Canada has addressed issues with curriculum licensing agreements. Previously, students could physically attend a private college licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college, attracting international students with less oversight and eligibility for post-graduation work permits. Now, graduates of master's degree programs are eligible for three-year work permits, and the length of the permit is no longer solely determined by the length of the study program. These changes ensure that international students have equal opportunities to gain work experience and transition to permanent residence.
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New study permits for international students
Canada has always been a leading destination for international students due to its diverse and inclusive society, high-quality educational institutions, and the potential opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation. However, in recent years, the integrity of the international student system has been threatened, with some institutions increasing their intake to drive revenues, and students arriving without the necessary support. This has put pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.
In response, the Canadian government has introduced new measures to stabilize the number of international students in the country. In January 2024, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. The government plans to decrease its temporary resident population over the next few years to align with long-term economic goals and strengthen the integrity and quality of its temporary resident programs.
The new measures also include changes to the Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. After November 1, 2024, international students graduating from public college programs will no longer be eligible for a three-year PGWP unless their work is linked to areas of high labor market demand. Additionally, spouses or partners of international students will face new restrictions on open work permits. Only spouses of master's degree students whose programs are at least 16 months in duration will be eligible, and they will need to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency in French or English.
Furthermore, international students must now apply and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions. Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must also play a stronger role in preventing misuse of the program by submitting compliance reports and verifying acceptance letters. These improvements aim to provide greater oversight, support international students, and safeguard their academic experiences in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Canada is open for international students in 2024/25.
Yes, there are new rules for international students in Canada. Since 1 November 2024, international students graduating from public college programmes have not been eligible for a three-year PGWP unless their work is linked to areas of high labour market demand. Additionally, spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programmes are no longer eligible for open work permits.
The 2025-2026 study permit intake cap will be 437,000, a 10% decrease from the 2024 target of 485,000.
The International Student Program is an initiative by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure the sustainability of the program by rooting out fraud and protecting students from bad actors and financial vulnerability.
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