As Canada moves towards significant immigration policies, thousands of international graduates could face deportation when their work permits expire at the end of 2024!
With the new cap, the government anticipates a 35 percent reduction in the intake of international students. However, international students are challenged by the new provincial policies that have left many of them unexpectedly vulnerable.
This action is being taken amid mounting worries about unemployment and housing scarcities, which some people attribute to the presence of international students.
Furthermore, there will be a 25% drop in nominations for permanent residency, which would further restrict the options available to international students seeking to stay in Canada.
In June, the Canadian government further tightened regulations by announcing that foreign nationals could no longer apply for a PGWP at the border. This decision has sparked fears among students concerned about their future in Canada!
In this article, we covered the various new immigration policies in Canada that could make thousands of international students face deportation in Canada.
New Immigration Policies in Canada
1. Changes to Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
After completing an approved study program in Canada, international students may be granted an open work permit known as a Post-Graduate Work Permit.
Before recently, most international students were qualified for Post-Graduation Work Permits if they had finished a study program in Canada that lasted more than eight months.
However, as of September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in study programs provided by PPP institutions as part of curriculum licensing agreements will no longer be eligible for PGWPs upon graduation.
2. Temporary Cap on Canada Study Permits
On January 22, 2024, the federal government said the number of authorized study permit applications would be capped at two years. In 2024, 360,000 new study permits for international students will be granted.
Additionally, each province and territory will cap the number of new international students enrolled in undergraduate programs. Study visa allocations will be severely reduced in the regions experiencing the most extraordinary unsustainable growth in international students.
For example, a 50% decrease in the acceptance rate of study permits is anticipated in Ontario. Universities and institutions under their control may also be subject to study permit caps set by the provinces and territories.
International students seeking master’s or doctoral degrees in Canada will not be subject to the caps, and current international students renewing their study permits in Canada will not be impacted either.
3. Suspension of Study Permit Processing for Certain Institutions
Canada’s government resolved in July 2024 to cease processing study permits for educational institutions that do not keep proper track of the enrollment of international students, a significant step towards curbing the exploitation of these permits.
Immigration Minister Mark Miller declared that educational institutions must notify the federal immigration agency about student attendance and compliance with study permit criteria.
This implies that every time a student transfers schools, they have to reapply for a study permit, and they have to do it before they can begin their new course of study.
Furthermore, per IRCC regulations, DLIs must now confirm all acceptance letters within ten days of receiving an international student’s application. Canada has also capped the number of international students it will accept for the next two years.
4. End of Post-Graduation Work Permits at the Border
As of June 2024, foreign nationals can no longer apply for post-graduation work permits at Canadian borders.
This modification was made to lessen the “flagpole” practice, in which temporary residents enter and exit Canada in less than a day to avoid the regular waiting periods for work or study permits. The online application method ensures a more equitable and well-organized procedure.
5. Increased Work Hours for International Students
Starting in September 2024, international students in Canada are allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week, an increase from the previous limit of 20 hours.
This change was introduced to address labor shortages, provide more support for international students, and ensure continued focus on their studies.
Why is Canada Implementing International Student Cap?
The number of study permits issued by the Canadian government has grown dramatically during the past ten years. Sadly, the infrastructure needed to handle this surge in international students has yet to keep up, straining the housing and medical systems.
Furthermore, several private universities have increased the number of international students they admit without raising admissions or curriculum requirements to boost profits.
This new study permit cap allows the Canadian government more time to develop a framework for trusted institutions. This framework will incentivize designated learning institutions (DLIs) to uphold high standards of instruction and help eradicate dishonest actors from the education industry.
Additionally, this will guarantee that international students who come to Canada get the help they require to excel in their studies and other spheres of life.
Why is there an Increase in the Cost of Living Requirement for International Students?
The cost of living criteria were revised and increased to give a more accurate picture of what it costs to live in Canada and ensure that international students have enough money to cover their basic needs.
The cost of living standards is anticipated to be updated annually. There have been stories of international students in Canada having financial difficulties.
They will find it simpler to concentrate on their studies without worrying about money if they can access additional funding, mainly because housing and other living expenditures are rising in Canada.
The recently announced annual cap on the number of study permits granted may increase competition for international students applying for admission and obtaining study permits in Canada.
On the other hand, this will allow the government to monitor educational establishments more closely and guarantee that overseas students obtain a better education.
Modifications to the PGWP and open work permit programs will guarantee that Canadian firms have access to top talent and facilitate international talent’s search for suitable employment in Canada. These changes will help make the international student program in Canada more robust and sustainable.
Conclusion
Global events, new policies, and economic changes all contribute to the ongoing changes in Canadian immigration. Therefore, anyone wishing to study and work in Canada must be aware of the most recent changes to the country’s immigration and visa policies.
Keeping up with these updates guarantees compliance with new requirements and improves your application process readiness. Visit the IRCC webpage to learn more about your immigration options and to stay updated on these developments.
