Canada has introduced several new regulations affecting international students, effective from late 2024 and into 2025. These changes aim to balance educational opportunities with labor market needs and ensure the integrity of the immigration system. The key updates are as follows:
1. Updated Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility Criteria:
- Effective Date: November 1, 2024
- Details: International students applying for a PGWP must meet new eligibility requirements, which vary based on the submission date of their study permit application and their program of study.
- For Study Permit Applications Submitted On or After November 2024:
- + University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees):
- * Language Requirement: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all language skills.
- * Field of Study: No restrictions; all fields are eligible.
- + Graduates from Other University Programs:
- * Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 7.
- * Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area in Canada.
- + College Graduates or Other Programs:
- * Language Requirement: Minimum CLB 6.
- * Field of Study: Must be in a high-demand area.
- + University Graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral Degrees):
- Purpose: These changes are designed to align educational outcomes with Canada’s labor market needs, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary language skills and qualifications for in-demand occupations.
2. Updated Off-Campus Work Hour Limitations:
- Effective Date: November 2024
- Details: International students are now permitted to work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours per week.
- Purpose: This adjustment aims to provide students with greater financial flexibility while ensuring they remain focused on their studies.
3. Termination of the Student Direct Stream (SDS):
- Effective Date: November 2024
- Details: The Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Student Express (NSE) visa programs have been terminated.
- Purpose: There are concerns about vulnerabilities and fairness led to its discontinuation. By terminating these programs, IRCC aims to create a more level playing field for all applicants and reduce exploitation within the system.
4. Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits:
- Effective Date: November 2024
- Details: New regulations have been introduced regarding the eligibility and application process for spousal open work permits.
The eligibility is now limited to spouses of students enrolled in professional degree programs at a university, such as a master’s or doctorate program:
- – Dental Surgery Doctor (DDS, DMD)
– Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Law (LLB, JD, BCL)
– Medical doctor (MD)
– Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm), Doctor of Optometry (OD)
– Veterinary medicine doctor (DVM)
– Nursing Bachelor of Science (BScN, BSN, or BNSc)
– Education Bachelor’s Degree (B. Ed.)
– Engineering Bachelor’s Degree (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
Purpose: These adjustments aim to ensure that spousal work permits are issued in alignment with Canada’s labor market requirements and immigration objectives.
5. Restrictions on Study Permit Applications at Ports of Entry:
- Effective Date: November 2024
- Details: International students are now required to apply for study permits prior to arriving in Canada, as applications at ports of entry are no longer accepted.
- Purpose: This change is intended to enhance the integrity of the study permit issuance process and ensure proper vetting of applicants.
End of Flagpoling for PGWP Applications
Effective Date: June 21, 2024
Details: The practice known as “flagpoling,” where students temporarily exit and re-enter Canada to process immigration applications at the border, has been discontinued.
- Purpose: This measure seeks to reduce inefficiencies and enhance oversight within the immigration system.
These regulatory updates reflect Canada’s commitment to maintaining a robust and fair immigration system that supports both international students and the country’s economic needs. Prospective and current international students should familiarize themselves with these changes to ensure compliance and to make informed decisions regarding their studies and employment in Canada.
