Are you an international student hoping to study in Canada in 2024? With a new year here, it’s crucial to understand the most recent student visa policy updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) if you plan to apply for a study permit.
This article will explain all the need-to-know changes for 2024 in detail so you can stay on top of Canada’s newest study permit and student visa rules and requirements.
Extended Off-Campus Work Hours for International Students
Typically, international students in Canada are limited to just 20 hours per week of off-campus work during regular academic semesters under the terms of their study permit. This restricts the amount of income and professional work experience international students can gain.
However, IRCC recently extended more flexible study permit work hours rules until April 30, 2024. This allows international students to continue working additional off-campus hours above the usual 20 hour per week limit.
This is fantastic news for international students, who can now continue to earn extra income and build their resumes with in-demand Canadian work experience until the end of April 2024. Take advantage of this opportunity to cover expenses and develop professional skills.
Increased Minimum Financial Support Requirements for Study Permits
One requirement for Canadian study permit approval is showing proof that you have sufficient financial support to pay for living expenses during your studies, on top of travel costs and tuition.
Previously, the minimum amount international students had to prove for annual financial support was $10,000 CAD. However, due to rising costs of living and inflation in Canada, this baseline amount has been increased to $20,635 CAD for 2024.
Therefore, all new Canadian study permit applications submitted after January 1, 2024 must meet these updated higher minimum financial support requirements. Start preparing now to be able to demonstrate you can support yourself.
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility Requirements
Historically, international students could only qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) after graduating from an eligible Canadian academic program delivered fully in-person. However, due to COVID-19, a temporary exemption was created that allowed PGWP eligibility if up to 50% of studies were completed online.
This COVID-19 PGWP exemption remains in place for international students who apply to start a Canadian study program prior to September 1, 2024. It’s important to note, however, that there are currently no plans to extend this PGWP policy accommodation further beyond that cutoff date.
New Study Permit Application Form Introduced
Applying for a Canadian study permit just got easier! As of December 1, 2023, IRCC introduced an updated version of the study permit application form (IMM1294).
Older editions of this form will no longer be accepted for study permit submissions made through IRCC’s online secure account system after this date. Be sure to access and use the new IMM1294 application form for any study permit requests submitted December 1, 2023 or later.
Mandatory Validation of Canadian School Acceptance Letters
Finally, a new requirement taking effect December 1, 2023 mandates that all Canadian academic institutions must formally validate and confirm the authenticity of every international student acceptance letter they issue.
If your Canadian school or university fails to complete validation of your acceptance letter in time, your study permit application could be returned and your application fee refunded.
To avoid potential delays, follow up with your institution to ensure they have validated your acceptance for study permit processing.
Ready to Study in Canada? We Can Help!
If you need assistance navigating Canada’s complex and changing international student visa application process, the experts at Schooloutside are here to help!
Our dedicated team can guide you through every step, from finding the perfect Canadian school, to securing your valid study permit, to arriving prepared on campus.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your Canadian study dreams!
