Major Changes for International Students and PGWP in Canada
Image: Andy Holmes from Unsplash
The year 2024 has brought significant changes for international students in Canada. From new rules for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) to updates on the cost of living requirement for study permits, these changes align with the federal government's plan to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country. Here’s a summary of the key updates and their impact on prospective students!
Changes to PGWP Eligibility
Restrictions for programs under curriculum licensing agreements
As of May 15, 2024, students enrolling in study programs offered by private colleges in partnership with public colleges will no longer be eligible for the PGWP.
Three-year PGWP for master’s graduates
Graduates of master’s degree programs are now eligible for a three-year PGWP, regardless of program length. Effective since February 15, this change allows graduates more time to gain work experience and apply for permanent residence.
New language requirements for PGWP
Starting November 1, PGWP applicants must meet language proficiency requirements:
University graduates: CLB 7.
College graduates: CLB 5.
Field of study requirement for PGWP
Since late 2024, only students in programs linked to in-demand occupations are eligible for the PGWP. Eligible fields include:
Agriculture and agri-food;
Education
Healthcare;
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM);
Trades
Transportation.
These rules apply to college graduates and university vocational programs. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral graduates are not affected.
Study Permit Cap
On January 22, 2024, the Canadian government introduced a cap on study permits, reducing approvals by 35% from 2023, resulting in approximately 360,000 new approvals. The target for 2025 is 437,000 study permits, with a cap of 305,900 new international student arrivals.
Changes to Open Work Permits for Spouses
As of March 19, only spouses of students in master’s or doctoral programs can apply for an Open Work Permit (SOWP). Exceptions have been made for spouses of students in select professional undergraduate programs such as Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Engineering.
A new restriction announced in September will limit SOWPs to spouses of master’s students enrolled in programs of at least 16 months in duration.
Changes to Off-Campus Work Hours
On April 29, the government confirmed that temporary pandemic measures allowing international students to work unlimited hours off-campus would not be renewed.
Since November 15, international students can now work 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session.
Updated Cost of Living Requirement
As of January 1, 2024, the financial requirement for single applicants increased from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635, in addition to tuition and travel costs for the first year.
What These Changes Mean for You
If you are planning to study in Canada, staying informed about these new regulations is crucial. To ensure a successful application, trust Maritimes Immigration Consulting! Our experts can help you navigate your academic and professional journey in Canada.
Contact us today for a personalized consultation!
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Please note that this text provides basic eligibility requirements. For immigration advice, we recommend booking an initial consultation with our regulated consultant or access IRCC website.