Unveiling significant updates for international students in Canada, the recent announcements by IRCC set to take effect on January 1, 2024, are reshaping the landscape. Amidst these changes, prospective students aiming for a Canadian study permit can gain notable advantages by taking a proactive approach: submitting their study permit application in December 2023. Discover the Benefits of submitting a study permit application in December.
Cut down living expenses by $10,000 CAD
The IRCC announced on December 7th that the $10,000 CAD cost-of-living criterion for overseas students studying in Canada would now be $20,635 CAD. The rising cost of living in the nation is addressed by this modification. Interestingly, the prior barrier of $10,000, set in the early 2000s, hasn’t increased over time to reflect inflation. Regardless of the application timing, students must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the extra cost-of-living requirements, along with providing evidence of paid first-year tuition and travel expenses, to qualify for a study visa.
On the other hand, the cost-of-living criteria is expected to change as of January 1, 2024. Even if their studies start later in 2024, applicants who submit their study permit petitions before this date will only be subject to the current $10,000 cost-of-living requirement.
It is imperative to emphasize that the IRCC has raised the cost-of-living standards by over threefold in order to guarantee that international students have sufficient funds for subsistence while in Canada. Applicants that apply with the prior $10,000 criterion could find it insufficient to support their living expenses. Newcomers capitalizing on the transitional period before the implementation of the new cost-of-living criterion should consider this important factor.
Invest time in overseas studies, contributing towards your eligibility for the PGWP.
Apart from the previous declaration, the IRCC has pledged to continue the helpful program, allowing foreign students to continue their education at Canadian universities while they are overseas. Crucially, the time spent studying abroad will keep factoring into their Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs).
In Canada, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) serves as the established job pathway for foreign graduates, with its validity linked to the duration of the student’s academic degree, up to a maximum of three years.
Within this provision, students can persist in including their remote learning period when calculating their eligibility for the PGWP, provided that:
- Remote learning from outside of Canada should constitute less than half (50%) of a student’s overall time in their program of study.
- The program of study must commence prior to September 1st, 2024.
Therefore, if their school and teachers approve of this choice, overseas students who apply for study permits in December can be in a prime position to take advantage of remote learning options. Living at home could result in financial savings on travel, lodging, food, and other necessities.
Essential requirements for applying for a study permit
To qualify for a study permit, students are required to:
- Obtain a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
- Possess a valid passport for all individuals in the application, including dependents.
- Include two passport-sized photos for each student or dependent.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial support for the first year of tuition, living, and travel expenses.
- Furnish a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) if studying in Quebec.
- Exhibit admissibility to Canada on criminal and medical grounds.
- Convince the immigration officer of their intention to leave Canada post-authorized stay.
- Submit any additional immigration or travel documents requested by IRCC.
Options for accelerating your study permit application process
The IRCC has implemented the Student Direct Stream (SDS), a different application process for study permits, in response to extended processing periods. This option is only open to candidates who meet particular country-specific qualifying requirements. In order to be eligible for a study visa via SDS, candidates need to fulfill these requirements. Notably, the IRCC strives to process applications under SDS in 20 calendar days, which makes it an essential study permit route for qualified people looking for a quick permit issue.
Submitting with proficiency
Applications for study permits may seem simple, but the approval procedure can be more involved. Immigration authorities are free to assess eligibility requirements at their discretion. Even with all the paperwork submitted and admissibility requirements met, an application may still be denied if officials have reason to believe that the applicant intends to depart Canada before the approved stay ends.
As a result, a lot of people choose to hire an immigration attorney to advise them on best practices, improve their chances of approval, and advocate on their behalf before the government.
Immigtoronto is dedicated to helping prospective immigrants find their path to permanent residency. Our team is ready to assist you with any inquiries; simply get in touch by sending an email to [email protected]
