On November 15, 2024, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller, announced new regulations for international students. These changes, effective immediately, aim to enhance the experience of international students while safeguarding against fraud and ensuring compliance with regulations.
Key changes include updated work hour limits for students during both the academic year and holiday breaks. Additionally, new rules have been implemented for students wishing to transfer between institutions, and for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) reporting student information.
Changes to Rules for International Students in Canada
Increase of Off-Campus Work Hours
International students can now work up to 24 hours per week during the academic year, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This change allows students to gain valuable work experience and earn extra income to support their studies and living costs.
During scheduled breaks (summer, winter, and Easter), international students are permitted to work full-time. However, it’s crucial to remember that this privilege is tied to maintaining full-time student status at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
To ensure you’re eligible to work these increased hours, your study permit must explicitly state these conditions. If not, you can request an amendment to your permit by contacting IRCC.
Violating Work Conditions and Other Important Changes
As an international student, it’s crucial to adhere to the terms of your study permit. Exceeding the 24-hour weekly work limit during the academic year or working outside the specified conditions could lead to severe consequences, including:
- Loss of student status
- Ineligibility for future immigration programs
- Potential deportation from Canada
Increased Accountability for Schools
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are now required to submit semi-annual reports to the government to verify student enrollment and compliance with regulations. Failure to do so or evidence of non-compliance could result in investigations and potential restrictions on accepting new international students.
Transferring Schools
If you plan to transfer to a different school, you must apply for a new study permit. This measure helps ensure that students are enrolled in approved institutions and maintain valid study permits.
Verifying Letters of Acceptance (LOAs)
To combat fraud and ensure the integrity of the international student program, the Canadian government is rigorously verifying LOAs. Over 17,000 fraudulent or canceled LOAs have been identified, highlighting the importance of this process.
Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)
In most cases, international students are now required to provide a PAL along with their LOA to demonstrate their intent to study in Canada. This additional verification step further strengthens the application process.
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