We would like to share with you what Canada's Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced this December 7, 2023, on changes benefiting international students beginning in 2024.
The heart of the conference was around the importance of the international student program.
"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 to learn and research." Marc Miller
Therefore, 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 Financial Solvency Requirements for the Year 2024
This will be reflected in the funds you will have to prove as of January 1, 2024 to process the international student visa, which will be your first year of the program as usual, plus 20,635 CAD (Canadian dollars) per student, except in the province of Quebec, which has not announced any change 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 preventive tactic, which although it may seem shocking and confrontational at first, it is in favor of the students, to avoid them being surprised, already at their destination, that the information about their personal livelihood is not sufficient; which may cause hundreds of students to have to abandon their program due to lack of resources.
"Students have experienced serious challenges living in Canada... It would be a mistake to invite them without support, which is why we are working on new initial reforms to the international student program including the development of a new framework to recognize learning institutions that provide high quality services and support including housing. Let them only accept as many students as they can provide housing or help find off-campus." Marc Miller
At Boom Studies we are committed to outline the steps to build an academic process that adapts to your needs, objectives and projections, supported with clear and transparent information about the requirements to enter and complete your educational program. Considering the time needed to achieve a successful academic, professional and personal experience. Here you can find more information about the requirements needed to migrate to Canada.
- Changes in Permitted Student Working Hours
An important measure that was addressed at the conference was the hours allowed to work. An extension has been made until April 2024 so that they can work 40 hours, that is, full time, although it is recognized that it is not sustainable to be a student and work without neglecting either of the two aspects. The statistic is that at least 80% of students work for more than 20 hours, so it is intended to specify the regulation that the work permit be 30 hours.
- Temporary Post-Graduate 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 be valid only until December 2023.
"Taking these additional steps today contributes to our long-term goal of preserving the integrity of the international student program so that they are prepared for success in Canada." Marc Miller
Boom Studies: Specialized Counseling and Resources for Students
For more information about your educational program and what steps you need to follow, we have a group of specialized 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 they have. "Marc Miller
