Notice for Students: Why studying in Canada will get costlier

Canada has introduced significant reforms to its study permit requirements this week. Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said Ottawa will now require international students applying to study in the country to have double the amount of funds currently required. The changes will take effect from 1 January 2024. Let’s take a closer look. Canada doubles funds needed for student visa According to a release by the Canadian ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, the latest move comes in order to strengthen the financial preparedness of international students. It also aims to ensure international students are not left vulnerable to sketchy employers and unable to afford life in Canada. “We are revising the cost-of-living threshold so that international students understand the true cost of living here. This measure is key to their success in Canada. We are also exploring options to ensure that students find adequate housing. These long-overdue changes will protect international students from financially vulnerable situations and exploitation,” Miller was quoted as saying by ANI. “While recognising the significant benefits international students bring to Canada socially, culturally, and economically, the government emphasises the need to address challenges that have made some students vulnerable. The revised cost-of-living threshold is seen as a crucial step to ensure the success and well-being of international students in Canada,” the release added. [caption id=“attachment_13481362” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Miller also provided updates on three temporary policies affecting international students. Reuters[/caption] The new cost-of-living requirements According to AFP, Canada is now raising the threshold to $20,635 from the previous $10,000 which has been the cost-of-living requirement since early 2000s owing to the evolving cost-of-living. The threshold represents 75 per cent of the low-income cut-off (LICO). This adjustment will ensure international students are adequately prepared for the financial demands of life in Canada. This will also address issues like finding suitable housing and is part of governmental reforms committed to protect students from financial vulnerability and exploitation. The announcement follows the reforms to the International Student Programme introduced in October this year, which introduced a new framework to recognise learning institutions providing top-quality services and support, including housing. The new rules ask institutions to accept only the number of students they can adequately support. Changes to employment policies Miller also provided updates on three temporary policies affecting international students. The waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work has been extended until 30 April 2024, allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week. The measure allowing students to count online study time towards the length of a future post-graduation work permit, applicable to those starting a study program before 1 September 2024, has also been extended. However, the temporary policy providing an additional 18-month work permit for post-graduation work permit holders expiring up to 31 December this year has not been extended. With inputs from AFP