Canadian Immigration News

New Requirements for International Students in Canada

3 minute read
With a surge in the number of immigrant students arriving in Canada each year, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a set of new requirements for international students. Addressing the financial challenges faced by students in coping with the high cost of living, The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced significant changes set to take effect on January 1, 2024. This article aims to provide crucial insights for individuals planning to pursue their education in Canada.
Written by My Visa Source Team
Published on:  Dec 13, 2023
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Low-Income-Cut Off (LICO)

The Low-Income-Cut Off (LICO) serves as a crucial benchmark, ensuring individuals have sufficient income to meet their basic needs. As per the recent announcement, the LICO threshold for funds will be annually adjusted based on Statistics Canada's updates.

Updated Cost of Living

The cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has long stood at $10,000 for a single applicant, a figure established in the early 2000s. Recognizing the need for adjustment to reflect the current economic landscape, starting in 2024, applicants must showcase financial capacity by having $20,635, equivalent to 75% of the LICO. This change applies to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.

Permit to Off-campus Work

The extension of the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work during class sessions is now extended until April 30, 2024. This extension benefits both current international students in Canada and those who submitted study permit applications by December 7, 2023. This flexibility allows individuals falling under these categories to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week until the specified date.

Post Graduate Work Permit Extension

In response to labor market disruptions during and post the pandemic, a temporary policy granted an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders. However, this temporary policy will not be extended further. Those with a post-graduation work permit expiring by December 31, 2023, are still eligible to apply under this provision.

Conclusion

As Canada adapts its policies to better support international students, it is essential for aspiring students to stay informed about these changes. The increased cost of living requirements and extended off-campus work opportunities demonstrate Canada's commitment to fostering a positive and accommodating environment for its international student community. Prospective students are encouraged to plan accordingly and leverage these adjustments to enhance their educational experience in Canada.

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