As an international student, studying abroad allows you to broaden your horizons while also gaining foreign academic qualifications and professional experience. Canada is one of the world's most popular study destinations, and it may already be on your shortlist, or you may have begun looking into university and college alternatives in Canada. Many international students aspire to study in Canada because it provides an ideal option for the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries. High student visa success rates, affordability, access to excellent universities, and the presence of the international population are all contributing factors. 

If you are considering or are actively preparing to study in Canada, you should be aware that the government has recently announced modifications to the study permit and Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) criteria. Leading study abroad consultants in Calicut, offer thorough assistance and help throughout the application process, ensuring that you satisfy all of the new standards and increase your chances of success. 

Latest Updates Student Visa Canada

As an ambitious student, you should be informed of the changes to the study visa rules. Here are the main changes:

1. Temporary Federal Cap on Study Permits

The federal government's declaration on January 22, 2024, signals a dramatic shift in foreign education. To handle the surge of international students, officials have imposed a two-year limit on study permit approvals. Projections show a 35% decrease in the issuing of new study permits in 2024 compared to the previous year, with an estimated 360,000 permits being awarded. The cap for 2025 is yet to be determined and will be set after the year.

2. Changes To Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility

PGWP is an open work permit for overseas students who complete approved study programs in Canada. Previously, most students who completed Canadian study programs lasting more than eight months were eligible for PGWPs. A significant change occurs on September 1, 2024, when graduates of study programs offered by public-private partnership (PPP) universities under curriculum licensing agreements are no longer eligible for PGWPs upon graduation. 

3. Longer PGWPs For Master’s Graduates

This amendment entails extending the post-graduate work permit (PGWP) for three years. It only applies to graduates of master's degree programs that are less than two years long. However, they must meet all other eligibility requirements for the PGWP. Furthermore, graduates of master's degree programs lasting fewer than two years are eligible for a three-year PGWP. The government has changed the period of the PGWP, allowing persons to gain the necessary Canadian work experience before applying for PR. 

4. Revised Cost-of-Living Standards

Starting January 1, 2024, overseas students must meet a higher cost of living criterion of CAD 20,635 (formerly CAD 10,000), excluding tuition. In Quebec, the minimal proof of financial assistance is CAD 15,078, except for students under 18, who must demonstrate access to at least CAD 7,541. Applicants seeking a Canadian study visa on or after January 1, 2024, must submit sufficient proof of financial support to meet the revised cost of living standards. 

5. Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility Changes

Spouses of international students enrolled in a full-time study program were eligible for SOWPs till 2023. However, a revision is pending that will limit open work permits under section C42 to spouses of master's and doctoral students, as well as those enrolled in professional schools such as law and medicine. Unfortunately, spouses of overseas students enrolled in undergraduate and other educational programs will no longer be eligible for open work visas. 

Why Choose a Study Visa for Canada?

  • International students who wish to study in Canada for longer than six months require a Canada study visa.
  • A study visa or study permit must be produced at the Canadian border. Its status is maintained throughout the study in Canada.
  • A Canadian study visa includes information about the holder's designated learning institution of enrolment, field of study, terms of stay, length of stay, work permit, expiry date, and date of departure from Canada. 
  • A study permit from India enables students to work while studying in Canada.
  • A student visa for Canada from India boosts the likelihood of receiving a post-graduate employment permit in Canada after graduation.
  • Travel in and out of Canada within the study permit's validity period without losing status. 

As an international student seeking to study in Canada, the recently announced restrictions on the number of study permits awarded each year may make the admission and study permit application process more competitive. However, this will allow the government to keep stronger oversight over academic institutions, ensuring that international students obtain a higher quality education. Changes to the PGWP and open work permit programs will make it easier for foreign talent to find suitable employment in Canada while also ensuring that Canadian firms have access to qualified individuals. 

Finally, while a greater cost of living requirement may cause new students to rethink their budget, knowing how much money they will truly need to maintain themselves in Canada will benefit them in the long term. These reforms will assist in strengthening and sustaining Canada's international student program. For the best Canada Study Abroad Consultants in Kochi, you must do a good research and find highly skilled immigration lawyers with extensive knowledge of Canadian laws and regulations.