We would like to share with you what the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced this 7 December 2023, on changes benefiting international students from 2024.
The heart of the conference was about the importance of the international student programme.
"We are proud that Canada is the premier destination for talented students from around the world, when we welcome international students we benefit from new ideas and ways of learning and researching." Marc Miller
So the government has taken the decision to care for and protect this valuable sector, with measures that are only real and transparent information on what they will need to live their academic and personal experience at their destination.
- New Economic Solvency Requirements for the Year 2024
This will be reflected in the funds you will need to prove from 1 January 2024 to process your international student visa, which will be your first year of the programme as usual, plus 20,635 CAD (Canadian dollars) per student, except in the province of Quebec, which has not announced any changes as of today. This change is based on a more accurate cost of living standard, allowing for a successful educational and personal process. Since there has been no increase since 2000.
We agree with Boom Studies that this is a preventative tactic, which, although it may at first seem shocking and confrontational, is in the students' favour, to avoid them being surprised, once at their destination, that the information about their personal livelihood is not sufficient, which may result in hundreds of students having to abandon their programme due to lack of resources.
"Students have experienced serious challenges living in Canada... It would be a mistake to invite them without support, so we are working on new initial reforms to the international student programme including the development of a new framework to recognise learning institutions that provide high quality services and support including housing. They will only accept as many students as they can provide housing or help to find off-campus accommodation. Marc Miller
At Boom Studies we are committed to outlining the steps to build an academic process that adapts to your needs, goals and projections, supported by clear and transparent information about the requirements to enter and complete your educational programme. Considering the time needed to achieve a successful academic, professional and personal experience. Here you can find more information about the requirements to migrate to Canada.
- Changes to the Permitted Working Hours for Students
An important measure that was addressed at the conference was the hours allowed for work. An extension has been made until April 2024 to allow them to work 40 hours, i.e. full time, although it is recognised that it is not sustainable to be a student and work without neglecting either aspect. The statistic is that at least 80% of students work for more than 20 hours, so it is intended to make the regulation that the work permit be 30 hours.
- Temporary Postgraduate Work Permit Extension Policy (PGWP)
Following the pandemic, an extension of up to 18 months was introduced for students with a PGWP, which was implemented as a temporary policy and will only be valid until December 2023.
"Taking these additional steps today contributes to our long-term goal of preserving the integrity of the international student programme so that international students are prepared for success in Canada. Marc Miller
Boom Studies: Specialist Advice and Resources for Students
For more information about your educational programme and what steps you need to take, we have a group of specialist consultants who are there to accompany you from the beginning, during and at the end of it.
"Our goal is to strike the right balance between being welcoming and making sure they have all the needs that they have".
