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IRCC Changes Canada Study Visa Requirements for 2024 – What Students Need to Know
In a landmark announcement, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made significant updates to the Canada Study Visa requirements, impacting prospective international students.
As of January 01, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement is set to undergo a substantial increase, among other pivotal changes. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of these updates and their implications for students eyeing Canada as their educational destination.
Cost-of-Living Surge
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of IRCC, has disclosed that the cost-of-living requirement for a single Study Visa applicant will surge to $20,635, marking a substantial increase from the current $10,000. This heightened requirement aims to align financial expectations with the actual cost of living in Canada, ensuring that international students are adequately prepared for their academic journey.
Annual Adjustments and SDS Guidelines
Recognizing the need for ongoing adaptability, IRCC emphasizes that the cost-of-living requirement will be updated annually in sync with Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-off (LICO). This measure seeks to prevent international students from encountering financial shortfalls upon their arrival.
Additionally, guidelines for Canada’s Student Direct Stream (SDS) will see the application streamlining the visa process for residents of 14 specific countries, promising faster processing times.
IRCC Extends Student Work Opportunities to April 2024
IRCC’s temporary lift of the 20-hour/week cap on off-campus work for post-secondary students, initially set until December 31, 2023, is now extended until April 30, 2024. This extension aligns with the immense contribution of over 500,000 international students to address labor market shortages while pursuing their studies.
Post-Graduate Work Permit Revisions
The extension allowing international students to count online study terms will continue until September 01, 2024. Secondly, students commencing study programs after this date will not be eligible for further PGWP extensions.
Immigrating to Canada as an International Student in 2024
Recognizing the invaluable contributions of international students, IRCC underscores the changes as crucial for maintaining the integrity of the International Student Program. With Canada experiencing a quadrupling of its international student population over the past 15 years, the blog anticipates a trend continuing into 2024, with the country poised to welcome over 900,000 international students.
As the landscape of Canada’s international student program evolves, staying informed about these updates is paramount for prospective students. The alterations enacted by IRCC underscore dedication to enhancing the overall experience for international students and confronting present challenges. For individuals aspiring to study in Canada, adapting to these changes will be pivotal for a successful and enriching educational expedition. Stay tuned for further updates, as Canada continues to stand out as a premier destination for international education.
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