Quick Thoughts on the 12/7/2023 Updates to Canada’s International Student Program
Canada’s International Student Program (ISP) has had a lot of attention this year. I recall headlines emerging in the summer when international students started getting blamed for Canada’s housing crisis. (I’m gifting all readers a wonderful rebuttal here.)
With a new minister of immigration who has been working on numerous changes to the ISP, international students in particular have been wondering two things:
Will the restrictions on off-campus work be re-imposed after December 31, 2023?
Will IRCC do any more PGWP extensions?
We finally have some answers, which do well to find middle ground among many stakeholders, including:
Designated Learning Institutions concerned about students focused more on work than study,
Employers who seek international students as low-wage workers, and of course,
Students who are struggling to keep up with rising living costs.
Takeaway #1: International students may continue working full-time until April 30, 2024.
Starting May 1, 2024, a cap of 20 hour will be re-introduced. The Minister has hinted that the ceiling on hours could be raised from 20 to 30 hours, but currently that is just an idea under review.
Given the career-focused element of many educational programs these days, flexibility with off-campus work is needed after May 1st. There is admittedly a policy challenge in allowing for legitimate academic/professional development opportunities that fall outside of the ISP’s pre-pandemic boxes and the number of cases where study permits are being used for the purpose of work, rather than study.
Takeaway #2: The cost-of-living threshold is more than doubling to $20,635 and will increase annually.
I think we owe some compassion to international students who were told they could live off $10,000/year in Canada. An increase is long overdue, but a doubling will definitely be a shock for many study permit applicants. This move feels like a direct attempt to shrink the ISP in 2024.
Takeaway #3: No more PGWP Extensions
Many international graduates in Canada have been hoping for another round of extensions, given how competitive Express Entry and many provincial nominee programs have become.
Minister Miller is giving notice that those who are not able to transition to permanent residence in this competitive environment that they should start planning their exit from Canada.
The news will be tough for many, but the clarity is certainly welcome.
Reach out if you need to discuss your strategy.
