Starting January 1, 2024, Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) is implementing significant changes to policies for international students. Key updates include:
Increased Cost-of-Living Requirement: The study permit applicants must now show financial capability of $20,635 CAD, a substantial increase from the previous $10,000 CAD requirement.
End of Open Work Permit Extension Policy: The policy allowing extensions or new applications for open work permits for Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders expiring in 2023 will not continue past December 31, 2023. This affects foreign nationals whose PGWPs expire up to this date.
Extended Temporary Policies:
The allowance for eligible international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours is extended until April 30, 2024. However, this does not apply to those who stop or reduce their studies to part-time.
The policy enabling international students to not have their time studying outside Canada deducted from the duration of their PGWP is extended until September 1, 2024. This applies to students who start their program before this date, with a requirement to complete at least 50% of their studies in Canada. Those starting on or after September 1, 2024, will have their time abroad deducted from their PGWP duration.
These changes underscore the need for prospective and current international students in Canada to be aware of and comply with the updated requirements and deadlines.
At NPZ Law Group, our U.S. and Canadian lawyers seek to assist clients with regard to employment and family immigration issues. If you or your friends or family should have any questions about any aspect of U.S. and Canadian Immigration Law, please feel free to contact us at info@visaserve.com or you can call our office at 201-670-0006 (ext. 104). We look forward to being able to assist you.