Canada remains one of the top destinations for international students, known for its high-quality education, diverse culture, and post-graduation opportunities. However, with the changing landscape of global immigration policies, there are new rules for international students in Canada in 2024 that you should be aware of. Whether you're considering studying in Canada or are already enrolled in a Canadian institution, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations that may affect your study permit, work permit, and post-graduation opportunities.

In this article, we’ll break down the new rules for international students in Canada 2024, highlighting key changes and what they mean for your academic journey in Canada in the upcoming years.

 CANADA IMPOSED A CAP ON THE NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PERMITS

Canada announced the cap for international students in the Immigration Levels Plan released on 24 Oct. This cap will be allocated by province, based on total population. Some provinces will have much larger reductions. IRCC will allocate a portion of the cap to each province and territory, who will then distribute the allocation among their designated learning institutions. To implement the cap, as of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will also require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing attestation letters to students by no later than March 31, 2024

Master’s and doctoral students, previously exempt, will be folded into the capped numbers next year but will have 12 percent of spots reserved just for them.

Canada is applying new rules for international students in Canada 2024 in order to scale back on targets for admissions of temporary residents.

 CHANGES TO SPOUSAL OPEN WORK PERMIT ELIGIBILITY

International students' spouses already faced difficulties obtaining work permits earlier this year due to changes implemented by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Only spouses of students enrolled in particular master's and doctorate programs at Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) were eligible. The overall trend has been to tighten regulations, with a few exceptions for spouses of undergraduates in high-demand industries.

Minister Miller announced on September 18 that the department will be implementing additional restrictions on SOWP eligibility for spouses of students enrolled in some master's and doctorate programs, as well as some professional programs and pilot programs.

This includes restricting spouses of master's degree students to "only those whose program is at least 16 months in duration" in order to be eligible for a work permit.

 

 CHANGES TO PGWP ELIGIBILITY

 

Canada provided specific details regarding the changes to PGWP eligibility on October 4. Let's look into the suggested changes and their implications for present and prospective international students.

The length of the PGWP varies according to the study level. This is how it operated:

• In order to be eligible for a PGWP, your program has to be longer than eight months.
•  Your PGWP will be valid for as long as your study program if it was at least eight months long but less than two years (a new graduate from a 10-month program would obtain a PGWP of up to 10 months).
•  A PGWP of up to three years iis granted to non-master's degree programs that last two years or more.
•  Even if the program lasted less than two years, master's degree grads were granted PGWPs of up to three years.

When applying for PGWP, international students who are currently enrolled in a study program or have not yet begun classes but submit their study permit application by November 1, 2024, must meet Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirements for English or Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French proficiency. When submitting a PGWP application, language proficiency exam results must be no longer than two years. As of November 1, 2024, anyone who applies for PGWP will require a CLB or NCLC score of at least level 7 for university graduates, and level 5 for college graduates. 

Future international students who apply for a Canadian study permit on or after November 1, 2024, will also have to meet additional PGWP requirements based on their level of study.

 Conclusion: Adapting to the New Rules for International Students in Canada in 2024

The new rules for international students in Canada 2024 are designed to make the process of studying, working, and transitioning to permanent residency in Canada more accessible and beneficial. These developments, whether in the form of expanded work rights, additional financial aid alternatives, or improved immigration programs, create potential for international students to succeed.

Before you decide to study in Canada, stay up to date on the newest legislation and prepare your application properly. Understanding the new requirements for international students in Canada in 2024 will help ensure a smooth and successful educational path in one of the world's most friendly countries.

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For the latest updates and detailed information about new rules for international students in Canada 2024, make sure to consult the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or speak to an authorized immigration consultant.