Navigating the Impact of Recent Study Permit Changes: What You Need to Know
Recent updates from IRCC have announced a cap on international study permit applications, aiming to manage the number of international students more steadily which means Navigating the Impact of Recent Study Permit Changes is needed. Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC), Marc Miller, stated that starting from 2024, there will be a limit on the number of international students granted study permits. This measure is expected to result in approximately a 35% decrease in the number of students, with only 360,000 students projected to receive study permits compared to the previous year. Furthermore, the allocation of students will be adjusted based on the population of each region, potentially making it slightly more challenging for students to obtain study permits in popular provinces like British Columbia and Ontario. These changes are anticipated to impact Canada's international student policies significantly.
Under this overarching framework, there are four key factors that could directly impact applicants for study permits:
1. Increased Financial Requirements: The financial threshold for demonstrating funds during the study permit application process has surged significantly, rising from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635 (per individual), marking a 105% increase.
2. Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Requirement: Moving forward, applicants for study permits must include a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) issued by the provincial government as a mandatory document alongside their application submissions.
3. Changes to Spousal Open Work Permits: Previously, spouses of Principal Applicants who pursued education at post-secondary institutions above a college level were eligible for Open Work Permits. However, it has been announced that these Open Work Permits will no longer be issued unless the Principal Applicant is pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. This change impacts the ability of spouses to work while accompanying the Principal Applicant.
4. Restrictions on Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP): Effective September 1, 2024, Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) will no longer be issued to international students graduating from private colleges. This policy change affects some students while limiting their work opportunities in Canada.
With the above policies' announcements, many applicants preparing for the Canadian PR pathway through study permits were taken aback and shocked. However, it's important to note that the policies didn't come about overnight.
Recent influxes of the population into Canada have strained housing availability in major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal, affecting both immigrants and existing Canadian residents. The surge in population, coupled with soaring housing prices since the pandemic, has exacerbated living conditions, leading to various socio-economic challenges. Additionally, the strain on housing resources has contributed to a rise in both minor and major crimes.
In response to these challenges, the IRCC has decided to address the Study Permit program, which accounts for a significant portion of newcomers to Canada. This recent policy adjustment can be seen as the initial step in addressing these issues and managing the impact of immigration on housing and other societal aspects.
With these changes in mind, prospective applicants preparing for study permits should consider several key factors:
Firstly, with the increased financial requirements, it's essential to have a solid financial foundation. The basic financial amount required for proof to IRCC is CAD 20,635 (per individual), and factoring in that most college tuition fees are around CAD 20,000 per year, applicants should also consider additional expenses such as emergency funds and flight tickets. Therefore, prospective study permit applicants should be prepared to demonstrate financial resources of approximately CAD 50,000 to meet all necessary expenses.
We understand that, realistically, providing CAD 50,000 as proof of funds is not an easy task. Additionally, if one plans to bring family members along to Canada, this amount will increase depending on the number of accompanying family members. Furthermore, with the situation where the Spousal Open Work Permit, previously available to accompanying spouses of Principal Applicants studying at post-secondary institutions above the level of a college, is no longer provided, principal applicants applying for study permits demonstrate the importance of solid financial planning beforehand.
In fact, there is a reason why IRCC demands such high proof of funds from applicants. The cost of living in Canada is actually higher than you might think. Since the pandemic, the cost of living has been soaring, making it almost impossible to sustain oneself in Canada with only the minimum financial amount previously set by IRCC. Without ample financial resources, study permit holders may find it challenging to focus solely on their studies, potentially causing various issues in Canada.
Therefore, while applicants may perceive these demands as excessive, from IRCC's perspective, there appears to be a strong determination to screen out applicants whose initial financial plans may not be robust enough, potentially burdening Canadian taxpayers if they were to reside in Canada.
Secondly, if you are considering using the study permit as a pathway to obtaining a PGWP after graduation and eventually obtaining permanent residency, it's crucial to choose your school from the outset carefully. Not all schools offer PGWP eligibility upon graduation, so verifying whether your intended institution is recognized as an eligible institution for PGWP purposes before enrolling is essential. You can find this information on the following link: Designated learning institutions list
Thirdly, if you have a specific Canadian school in mind that you wish to apply to, it's essential to consider the availability of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) allocated to that school and the corresponding province. Even if you receive admission acceptance, you won't be able to submit your study permit applications without obtaining the PAL through the provincial government.
Especially in provinces like British Columbia (BC) or Ontario, which attract a large number of international students, if the PAL quota has already been filled at the time of your application, you may have to wait until the following year when a new quota opens up. Therefore, contacting the school you plan to attend in advance is essential to confirm whether PAL quotas are available. This way, you can finalize the registration procedures after ensuring that you'll be able to obtain the necessary PAL for your study permit application.
Lastly, regardless of any policy changes, the most crucial aspect of the study permit application is undoubtedly the well-articulated Study Plan that clearly outlines your academic objectives and your plans after completing your studies. It's particularly essential to highlight a clear blueprint for returning to your home country after completing your studies. Many study permit applicants receive refusal letters from IRCC due to vague or unclear plans regarding returning to their home country after completing their studies.
It's important to note that mentioning the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and considering it as part of your PR pathway in your study plan can be risky. Canadian immigration law (IRPA s. 29(2)) stipulates that all Temporary Residents must return to their home countries once their authorized stays end. Therefore, it's critical not to overlook this aspect and carefully craft your study plan accordingly.
In the past, the study permit has served as a stepping stone for applicants who are unable to obtain a work permit based on LMIA to pursue employment opportunities through academic pursuits in Canadian schools, aiming further toward permanent residency. However, with the recent changes, the PR pathway through the study permit is no longer a favourable option. While this may come as shocking news to many applicants who have been preparing for study permits, it seems that IRCC is determined to grant study permits only to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to their academic pursuits.
Therefore, if you have been preparing for Canada through a study permit, it's essential to reconsider your academic purpose. If your purpose is not clear and does not align with the current IRCC policy, you may need to reconsider going to Canada as a study permit holder.
Marginal Note
The new policies will only apply to new applicants. Additionally, even for new applicants, those pursuing master's and doctoral programs and primary and secondary education will be exempt from the quotas set by IRCC. Lastly, the impact on current students holding valid study permits within Canada is expected to be minimal.
Want to know more or need assistance with your Student Permit applications, then contact me on julie@iclimmigration.com and i will be glad to assist you.
Penned by Julie Hong, RCIC at ICL Immigration Inc.
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