Canada Study Permit Process

Study Permits in Canada are temporary visas, with their validity directly linked to the length of the educational program, typically spanning one to four years.

Eligibility Criteria for a Study Permit:

To be eligible for a Canada Study Permit, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Enrollment in a Canadian Educational Program: The applicant must secure admission and register in a Canadian educational institution, such as a university, college, high school, or secondary school.
2. Financial Requirements: Applicants need to demonstrate adequate financial resources to cover tuition fees and living expenses during their stay in Canada.
3. Intent to Return: Immigration authorities evaluate the applicant's intentions to ensure they plan to return to their home country after their studies.

Process for Obtaining a Study Permit:

• Securing School Admission: The first step is to gain acceptance into a Canadian educational program. Canadian institutions usually require proof of English language proficiency for foreign students. Post-acceptance, schools often request a tuition fee deposit.
• Study Permit Application: After obtaining school acceptance, the applicant must prepare and submit a Study Permit application to Canadian immigration authorities, demonstrating their financial capability and intent to return home post-studies.

Note: Also, (As of Jan 22, 2024) All the applicants should provide provincial attestation with their study permit application, as well.

As of December 7, 2023 , International students already in Canada, as well as applicants who have already submitted a study permit application, will be able to work off campus more than 20 hours per week until that time.
Under Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) recent policy changes, there are specific conditions under which international students can work beyond the standard 20-hour weekly limit on off-campus employment. The eligibility criteria for this expanded work allowance are:

• In-Person Classes Requirement: The student must be enrolled in in-person classes at a Canadian post-secondary institution. This condition excludes students attending online classes from abroad.
• Study Permit Authorization: The student’s study permit must include authorization for off-campus work.

Notably, students who applied for a study permit on or after October 7 of the previous year – coinciding with the date IRCC initially announced this temporary policy in 2022 – are also eligible to benefit from the eased restrictions on off-campus work hours.

IRCC’s Future Considerations:

IRCC's recent announcement indicates ongoing deliberations regarding this policy. A potential future change under consideration is expanding the off-campus work hours for international students to up to 30 hours per week during academic sessions. This proposed change would mark a significant shift from the current limit of 20 hours per week.
For international students in Canada and those planning to study in Canada, these developments are critical as they directly impact work and study balance. It’s advisable to stay updated with CICNews and other reliable sources for the latest information on these and other relevant policy updates from IRCC.

Post-Graduate Work Permits:

Generally speaking foreign nationals who complete a study program in Canada lasting at least 8 months are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. This permit, which can be valid for up to three years, is an open work permit, allowing the holder to work in any job or occupation found in Canada.
Applicants must apply for this work permit within 180 days following their graduation. Gaining at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada under this permit can pave the way for these individuals to potentially apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system.

Starting September 2024, international students who begin a program that's part of a curriculum licensing arrangement (one where a private college has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college) will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Graduates of master's and other "short graduate-level programs" will "soon" be able to apply for a three-year work permit, the government says.
Additionally, the Open work permits will also be made available to the spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs.

Pathway to Permanent Residence for International Graduates in Canada

Individuals who have completed their studies in Canada considering new and subsequently acquire a Post-Graduate Work Permit, followed by a minimum of one year of skilled work experience, are eligible to pursue permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry system.
This process involves submitting a distinct application, typically under the Canadian Experience Class or the Skilled Worker category. Possessing Canadian educational qualifications and work experience significantly enhances the likelihood of a successful application within the Express Entry program.

(Announced Jan 22, 2024) New Temporary Limit on Study Visas for International Students by IRCC:

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has declared the implementation of a temporary limit on the issuance of study visas to international students. According to an IRCC statement, the cap for the year 2024 is projected to lead to about 360,000 approved study permits, marking a 35% reduction compared to 2023.
Additionally, IRCC is setting individual caps for each Canadian province and territory. These limits will be adjusted based on the population of each region and are aimed at addressing the disproportionately high growth in international student numbers in certain provinces. This strategy is expected to significantly reduce the number of international students in regions that have experienced particularly rapid increases in their international student populations.

Discover Your Eligibility for Canada study Permit

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