Canada Announces Enhanced Protections and Opportunities for International Students

Ottawa, December 17, 2023 – Canada, renowned for its high-quality educational institutions and diverse society, has introduced revised requirements to better safeguard and support international students. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced significant changes aimed at ensuring international students are well-prepared for their Canadian academic journey.

Increased Financial Requirements for Study Permit Applicants

Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised. This change is to ensure international students are financially equipped for life in Canada. The requirement, stagnant since the early 2000s, will now be adjusted annually based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO). For 2024, a single applicant must show they have $20,635, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This requirement applies to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024.

Targeted Pilots for Underrepresented Cohorts

Recognizing the varied impact of these changes, the government plans to implement targeted pilots in the next year. These pilots will test new ideas to assist underrepresented cohorts of international students in pursuing their studies in Canada.

Framework for Learning Institutions

Following reforms announced on October 27, 2023, a new framework will recognize learning institutions that provide top-quality services and support to international students, including housing. Institutions are expected to accept only the number of students they can adequately support.

Ensuring Adequate Student Supports

Ahead of the September 2024 semester, measures, including limiting visas, may be taken to ensure designated learning institutions provide sufficient student supports. Collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, learning institutions, and other education stakeholders is key to this initiative.

Temporary Policy Extensions

Minister Miller also updated three temporary policies affecting international students:

1. Work Limit Waiver Extension: The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week work limit for international students will be extended to April 30, 2024. This policy may evolve to allow up to 30 hours per week of off-campus work.
2. Online Study Permit Facilitation: Time spent studying online will continue to count towards a post-graduation work permit for students who begin their program before September 1, 2024.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permit Extension: The temporary policy offering an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders will not be extended beyond December 31, 2023.

These changes reflect Canada’s commitment to the well-being and success of international students. The revised cost-of-living threshold and other measures aim to protect students from financial vulnerability and exploitation, ensuring a positive and enriching experience in Canada.

For more information, contact Bahoz Dara Aziz, Press Secretary, Minister’s Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, at Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca or the Media Relations team at media@cic.gc.ca.