Canada’s International Student Program: New Requirements Take Effect January 1, 2024

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced significant changes to the International Student Program, effective January 1, 2024. These changes focus on enhancing financial support for incoming international students and extending temporary policies designed to support their success.

Key Updates:

• Increased Financial Requirements: International students will now need to demonstrate possession of $20,635 in unencumbered funds, a 75% increase from the previous requirement of $10,000. This measure aims to ensure students have sufficient resources to cover living expenses during their studies.
• Off-Campus Work Limit: The temporary waiver on the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit for international students has been extended until April 30, 2024. IRCC is currently exploring options for this policy beyond that date, including expanding off-campus work hours to 30 per week during the academic year.
• Online Studies and Post-Graduation Work Permits: IRCC has extended a measure allowing online studies to count towards the length of a future Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for students who begin a program before September 1, 2024. The time spent studying online must be less than 50% of the student’s total program duration.
• Additional 18 Months for PGWP Holders: The temporary measure granting an additional 18 months to PGWP holders whose permits were expiring due to COVID-19 will not be extended beyond December 31, 2023.

Rationale for Increased Financial Requirements:

The significant increase in the minimum financial requirement is intended to address concerns about international students facing financial hardships and accessing food banks. This measure aims to ensure these students are prepared for the cost of living in Canada and have a positive and successful study experience.

Impact on International Education:

International education contributes significantly to Canada’s economy, generating over $22 billion annually and supporting over 200,000 jobs. The program changes demonstrate IRCC’s commitment to attracting and supporting international students while ensuring their well-being and success in Canada.

Looking Forward:

IRCC continues to explore additional measures to improve the international student experience, including ensuring adequate housing availability. These long-overdue changes aim to protect students from financial vulnerability and exploitation, ultimately contributing to a thriving international education sector in Canada.