- The Canadian government is doubling the financial requirement for international students applying for a study permit, now requiring CAN$20,635 in available funds.
- This change aims to address issues where students, despite meeting the previous CDN$10,000 threshold, struggled financially upon arrival in Canada.
- The new requirement, 75% of the low-income cut-off (LICO), reflects the minimum income needed for basic necessities.
- This marks the first increase in study permit savings in a decade, with future adjustments tied to Statistics Canada’s updates on LICO.
- Minister Marc Miller emphasizes the importance of ensuring international students understand the true cost of living and aims to protect them from financial vulnerability and exploitation.
Three Others amendments
- Extended off-campus work hours protected until 30 April 2024:
The Canadian government decided to extend the time international students can work more than 20 hours per week until April 30, 2024. They are thinking about allowing up to 30 hours per week after that, but full-time work during study periods won’t be allowed. This extension is for students currently halfway through the academic year.
- Online study to count towards PGWP until September 2024 :
During the pandemic, the government permitted online students to qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Initially, 100% online programs were eligible, but in 2022, limitations were introduced. This week, the government extended eligibility for online study until September 2024, with a new requirement: it must be less than 50% of the total course. Most international students in Canadian higher education now attend in-person classes. - Extension of PGWP to be phased out: International students facing pandemic-related labor shortages have been granted three opportunities to extend their post-graduation work permit by 18 months. Those whose permits expire by December 31, 2023, can apply for an extension, but this option will no longer be available after that date.