Canada remains a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, a diverse society, and promising opportunities for work and immigration after graduation. To ensure the sustainability and integrity of the International Student Program, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced New Rules to International Students in Canada to strengthen program oversight, reduce misuse, and better support international students.

What’s Changing?

Key Updates for International Students in Canada

1. New Off-Campus Work Limit

Starting November 15, 2024, international students can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus during academic sessions. Students are still eligible to work full-time during scheduled breaks like summer or winter holidays.

Why This Matters:
The government aims to strike a balance between work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their studies.

Minister of Immigration Marc Miller stated:
“By fixing the off-campus work limit to 24 hours per week, we’re striking the right balance between providing work opportunities and helping students stay focused on their education.”

2. New Study Permit Rules for Changing Institutions

International students who want to transfer between Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) must now apply for and receive approval for a new study permit before changing schools. This measure enhances oversight and ensures program integrity.

3. Stricter Oversight for Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)

To maintain compliance:

• DLIs must submit compliance reports to IRCC twice a year.
• Institutions failing to verify acceptance letters or meet reporting requirements may face suspension for up to a year, preventing them from admitting new international students.

Quick Note for Quebec:
Quebec DLIs have been granted a grace period to establish their reporting systems.

4. Enhanced Verification of Letters of Acceptance (LOAs)

IRCC’s LOA verification process, introduced on December 1, 2023, has proven effective:

• 529,000 LOAs have been submitted for verification.
• 492,000 LOAs were confirmed as valid.
• 17,000 LOAs were flagged as fraudulent or cancelled before permit applications were submitted.

This process ensures only genuine students gain entry to Canada, further protecting applicants.

Pros

1. Increased Work Opportunities
   • Working 24 hours per week off-campus provides students with valuable work experience and financial support.
2. Full-Time Work During Breaks
   • Students can continue working full-time during breaks like summer or winter holidays, maximizing earning potential.
3. Protection Against Fraud
   • The successful LOA verification process safeguards students from scams and fraudulent agents.
4. Improved Program Integrity
   • Stricter rules for DLIs ensure higher education quality and accountability from institutions.
5. Clear Guidelines for School Transfers
   • Students can now follow a straightforward process for transferring schools, reducing confusion and misuse.

Cons

1. Reduced Off-Campus Work Hours
   • The limit of 24 hours per week is lower than the previous temporary allowance of 40 hours, which could financially impact students who rely on income to cover expenses.
2. Increased Administrative Steps
   • Transferring schools now requires applying for a new study permit, which could increase wait times and paperwork.
3. Stricter Institutional Compliance
   • DLIs failing to comply may face suspensions, potentially disrupting study plans for new or current students.
4. Greater Focus on Compliance
   • Students face increased pressure to maintain enrollment and meet permit conditions, as violations could lead to enforcement actions.
5. Quebec’s Delay in Compliance Reporting
   • Quebec DLIs are in a transition phase, creating temporary inconsistencies compared to other Canadian provinces.

What These New Rules Mean to International Students in Canada?

These updates aim to protect students from financial and administrative abuse, enhance the integrity of Canada’s International Student Program, and ensure students have a positive, successful academic experience while staying compliant with their study permit conditions.

What Can International Students Expect in the Future?

• Smoother Processes: Improved oversight will strengthen compliance, reduce fraud, and create a streamlined study permit system.
• Sustainability: Canada is aligning its temporary resident levels with long-term economic goals, ensuring continued opportunities for skilled international graduates.
• Greater Program Accountability: DLIs will face strict monitoring, leading to better academic and administrative standards for students.

Need Help Navigating These Changes?

At CANINGRESS Immigration Services, we specialise in helping international students understand Canada’s immigration rules, secure study permits, and comply with evolving regulations.

📞 Contact us today:

• Vitaliy Svetlichnyy RCIC – IRB, Licence # R731478
• Website: www.caningress.ca
• Email: info@caningress.ca
• Phone: +1 250 733 1255

Plan your Canadian education with confidence and clarity!

Yuliya Svetlichnaya, Vitaliy Svetlichnyy