In 2022, Canada welcomed more than 550,000 international students and set a target to welcome over 900,000 in 2023. The same trend is going to be followed in 2024. So, if you are thinking about applying for Canada student visa requirements from India, now is the best time to do so.
However, as we move into 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new reforms to protect international students. These changes include increased work hours, student living costs, and more.
This post includes all the updated rules for Canada Study Permit 2024.
Update 1: Extended Work Hours
The Canadian Government allows international students to work off-campus for 20 hours per week and attend regular classes simultaneously. As for the summer and winter holidays, students are allowed to work 40 hours per week straight. However, in 2022, the authorities took a decision and allowed international students an unlimited number of hours to work during their studies - which was meant to only last until December 2023. This rule has been further extended till April 30, 2024. The weekly work hours may increase in the future.
Update 2: Increased Cost of Living
The living costs in Canada are increasing day by day and it is making it hard for international students to make their ends meet. Students applying for Canada study permits need to prove they have enough money to support themselves and live comfortably till the time they find work to support themselves. Keeping the increasing living costs in mind, the immigration authorities have revised the cost of living requirements from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635 for 2024. This is in addition to the tuition fees and travel costs, starting January 1st, 2024.
Update 3: Revised Post-Graduation Work Permit Rules
Earlier, international students were obliged to complete their studies in Canada from an eligible educational institution in person in order to be eligible for PGWP. But since COVID-19 happened, international students were given the option to complete half of their studies online. As of 2024, this rule stands still for students who are planning to study in Canada in 2024 till September 1, 2024. After that, there will be no more extensions to this rule. Also, students whose initial work permit was about to expire on December 31, 2023 - can still obtain the PGWP under this extension policy.
Update 4: New Study Visa Application Launched
The government of Canada wants to streamline the Canada Study Visa process even more. Therefore, they have introduced a new version of the Study Visa application form - IMM1294 on December 1, 2023. So, if you have met all the requirements for this visa and are proceeding with your application, use the new form through the IRCC secure account as the old ones are no longer accepted by the authorities.
Update 5: New LOA Verification Process
Last but not least, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) also made an announcement on December 1, 2023, about the Letter of Acceptance validation process. Now Canadian educational institutions will be required to confirm the validity of Letters of Acceptance (LOA). If they somehow fail to do this, the student's study permit application will be returned to them and refunded. So, if you need that LOA on time, connect with your institution regarding the same.
Apply for Canada Study Visa 2024: Steps to Follow
Start the process by obtaining a Letter of Acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Make sure the program you chose is eligible for international students.
Once that’s done, get the study permit application package online or at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate.
Complete the application form with complete information about LOA from the DLI, proof of funds, passport details, documents, language tests, and more.
Submit this application to the Canadian visa office.
Pay the application fee and any other regarding biometrics.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Letter of Introduction.
On arrival in Canada, give your documents to the border services officer along with travel documents to get your study permit.
Are you ready to go?
To make your application process easy and smooth, talk to the best immigration consultants in Chandigarh - Nationwide Visas. With their 16+ years of experience in successfully fulfilling the dreams of so many aspiring students, they are the right choice to get assistance with your documentation, visa filing, and post-landing services.
Good Luck!
