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June 3, 2024
June 3, 2024

Canada’s New Work Policy for International Students: 24 Hours Per Week Starting Fall 2024

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Canada’s Game-Changing Work Policy for International Students Starting Fall 2024

On April 29, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced a groundbreaking change set to benefit international students nationwide. Beginning in Fall 2024, international students will be permitted to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week while classes are in session. This significant shift from the previous 20-hour limit offers students newfound flexibility and financial relief.

A Major Policy Upgrade for International Students

The upcoming policy change marks a dramatic departure from the temporary measures that allowed unlimited working hours during academic sessions. Effective Fall 2024, international students will continue to enjoy the freedom to work full-time during academic breaks, such as summer and winter holidays. This adjustment is poised to ease financial burdens and enhance the overall student experience in Canada.

How Canada’s Policy Stacks Up Against Global Standards

Canada’s new work policy aligns favorably with international standards, positioning it as a competitive choice for global students. Here’s a comparative overview of work hour policies in top international student destinations:

United States (17%): International students with an F-1 visa can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus. Off-campus work is permitted for up to 20 hours per week during school sessions, with full-time work allowed during breaks.

United Kingdom (11%): According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA), international students can work up to 10 or 20 hours per week during term time, depending on their visa. Full-time work is allowed during non-academic periods, though students must adhere to any additional restrictions imposed by their institution.

Canada (10%): Starting Fall 2024, Canada’s policy will permit international students to work 24 hours per week off-campus during the academic year, with full-time work allowed during scheduled academic breaks

France (6%): In France, international students can work up to 964 hours annually, equivalent to about 21 hours per week. Students can also work up to 670 hours from September to June and 300 hours from July to August.

Australia and Germany (6% each):  In Australia, student visa holders may work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, with no work restrictions during breaks. In Germany, international students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time

The Value of Work Opportunities for International Students

The ability to work while studying is more than just a financial necessity – it’s a transformative opportunity. It enables students to support themselves and their families, gain critical work experience, and fully integrate into the local culture. For many, it’s a crucial step toward achieving career goals and building a successful future in Canada.

Eligibility for Working While Studying in Canada

To benefit from this new policy, international students must meet specific eligibility criteria:

Valid Study Permit: Students must possess a valid study permit.

Enrollment at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Enrollment in a full-time program at a DLI is required.

Program Duration: The program must be at least six months long and lead to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Social Insurance Number (SIN): A valid SIN is necessary for employment.

*Note: International students are authorized to work only once they have commenced their studies at a DLI. The study permit must specify whether on-campus, off-campus, or both types of work are permitted. *

Discover More About Working While Studying in Canada

This new policy is a remarkable opportunity for international students to enhance their educational journey in Canada. To learn more about eligibility and how to maximize your study and work experience, visit the working while studying in Canada.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starting Fall 2024, international students can work 24 hours per week off-campus.
  • Full-time work is permitted during academic breaks.
  • The new policy enhances Canada’s competitive edge as a study destination.

Embrace this opportunity and take a step toward a rewarding academic and professional future in Canada!

April 9, 2024
April 9, 2024

Navigating Canada’s Student Direct Stream: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Author By Team Sayal Categories Canada Immigration

Explore the latest updates and essential steps for international students applying for Canada’s Student Direct Stream in 2024. From eligibility criteria to required documents, embark on your educational journey with confidence.

Canada has long been a top destination for international students seeking quality education and a vibrant multicultural experience. In 2024, with its progressive policies and renowned institutions, Canada continues to attract students from around the globe. Among the various pathways available for studying in Canada, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) stands out for its efficiency and streamlined process. This guide aims to provide an updated overview of the SDS program, ensuring that aspiring students are well-equipped to navigate the application process smoothly.

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Understanding the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

The Student Direct Stream is a program designed to expedite the processing of study permit applications for international students from select countries. Introduced in 2018, the SDS aims to provide faster processing times, typically within 20 calendar days, for eligible applicants. This streamlined process is particularly beneficial for students planning to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Student Direct Stream, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

  • Country of Residence: The SDS is available to residents of specific countries, including China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, Morocco, and Senegal. Applicants must be residing in one of these countries at the time of application.
  • Acceptance into a Designated Learning Institution (DLI): Prospective students must secure admission to a participating DLI in Canada before applying for the SDS.
  • Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in either English or French is essential. Applicants may need to provide evidence of language proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
  • Financial Documentation: Proof of funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation is required. This ensures that applicants can support themselves financially throughout their studies in Canada.
  • Medical Examination: Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination as part of the application process. This requirement helps ensure that students meet Canada’s health standards.

Required Documents

Preparing the necessary documents is a crucial step in the SDS application process. Essential documents include:

  1. Letter of Acceptance: A valid letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution in Canada is mandatory.
  2. Proof of Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
  3. Language Test Results: Official language proficiency test scores, such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, must be submitted.
  4. Passport: A valid passport is required for the application process.
  5. Medical Examination Results: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence and specific circumstances, a medical examination report may be necessary.
  6. Police Clearance Certificate: Some applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate to demonstrate good conduct.

Application Process

The application process for the Student Direct Stream involves several steps:

  • Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents as per the SDS requirements.
  • Create an Online Account: Applicants need to create an online account on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website to start the application process.
  • Complete the Application Form: Fill out the study permit application form accurately, providing all required information.
  • Pay the Application Fee: Pay the applicable processing fee for the study permit application.
  • Submit the Application: Upload the completed application form and supporting documents through the online portal.
  • Biometrics Appointment (if applicable): Some applicants may need to schedule a biometrics appointment at a designated location.
  • Wait for Processing: Once the application is submitted, wait for a decision from IRCC. The processing time for SDS applications is typically faster compared to regular study permit applications.

Benefits of the Student Direct Stream

Opting for the Student Direct Stream offers several advantages:

  • Faster Processing Times: SDS applications are processed more quickly, allowing students to receive their study permits in a timely manner.
  • Predictable Application Process: The SDS follows a standardized and streamlined process, providing clarity and predictability for applicants.
  • Enhanced Student Experience: By minimizing processing times, the SDS enables students to focus on their academic pursuits and transition smoothly to life in Canada.
  • Access to Quality Education: Canada is home to world-class educational institutions, and the SDS facilitates access to these institutions for international students.

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Conclusion

For international students aspiring to study in Canada, the Student Direct Stream offers a fast-track pathway to realizing their educational goals. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering the required documents, and following the application process diligently, students can embark on their Canadian educational journey with confidence. With its efficient processing times and commitment to excellence, the SDS continues to be a preferred choice for students seeking an enriching academic experience in Canada.

February 3, 2024
February 3, 2024

2024 Study Permit Applications: IRCC Announces Set Cap for Consideration

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Following the announcement by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 22nd, the department has now established a cap on the total number of study permit applications it will consider throughout 2024.

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As outlined in ministerial instructions from IRCC, a maximum of 606,250 study permit applications will be taken into consideration in 2024. This cap is distinct from the one previously mentioned on January 22nd, which specifically pertained to approved study permit applications (set at 360,000).

These new instructions focus on the total number of applications that IRCC will review in 2024. Over the next 11 months, the department will process up to 606,250 applications, irrespective of the final decision on each application.

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Additionally, the instructions note that this cap on study permits may be subject to amendment in line with subsequent instructions from the minister. This suggests that if the 360,000 approved application cap is not met within the processing limit of 606,250 applicants, the minister may adjust the latter number accordingly.

Comparison with 2023: In 2023, Canada approved 579,075 study permit applications out of a total of 814,317 processed applications between January and November. This yielded an approval rate of 71%. The limits set for 2024 represent significant reductions in both processing and approvals for study permit applications.

Implementation of the New Study Permit Cap: The cap on study permit approvals (360,000) will be distributed among Canada’s provinces, weighted by their respective populations. Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, being the three most populous provinces, are expected to receive the highest study permit allocations.

This policy will be executed through attestation letters, requiring applicants to have a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from their designated learning institution (DLI) and an attestation letter from the province where the DLI is located. Attestation letters, according to ministerial instructions, must be provided by the provincial/territorial government and include the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and address.

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October 27, 2023
October 27, 2023

Breaking News: Canada Takes Bold Steps to Bolster International Student Integrity

Author By Team Sayal Categories Education Visa, Study Visa

Canada’s Immigration Minister Unveils Plan to Strengthen International Student Program Integrity

Canada’s immigration minister, Marc Miller, has made a significant announcement regarding the reinforcement of the international student program’s integrity. In this statement, Miller emphasized that while he opposes imposing a cap on new international student arrivals, the government is taking measures to combat fraud targeting international students. The key initiative involves implementing a new scheme to authenticate Letters of Acceptance (LOA), a vital requirement for prospective international students when applying for a study permit.

Furthermore, the government is progressing with the introduction of a “Recognized Institutions Framework” for Canadian designated learning institutions (DLIs) by the fall semester of 2024. DLIs encompass colleges, universities, and other educational institutions authorized by provincial and territorial governments to admit international students. This framework is intended to elevate the standards for services, support, and outcomes for international students. DLIs meeting specific integrity criteria set by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would be eligible for benefits, including priority processing of study permit applications.

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Details about how institutions can attain recognition and the associated benefits will be disclosed in the near future.

Additionally, Minister Miller disclosed that the IRCC will conduct the first review of the popular Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in a decade, with forthcoming reforms aimed at addressing labor shortages in sectors of higher demand and regional and Francophone immigration objectives.

Canada: A Premier Destination for International Students

Canada has solidified its status as a preferred destination for international students. In 2022, it welcomed a record-breaking 551,405 international students from 184 different countries. By the end of 2022, a historic high of 807,750 international students held valid Canadian study permits, demonstrating a quadruple increase in Canada’s international student population over the past 15 years. This surge can be attributed to a growing global middle class seeking educational opportunities abroad and Canada’s appeal to international students due to its high-quality education, employment prospects, and immigration pathways.

In 2022, the top source countries for new international students included India (226,450 students), China (52,165 students), and the Philippines (23,280 students), with Ontario (411,000 students) and British Columbia (164,000 students) being the leading destinations.

Minister Miller revealed that Canada is on track to host approximately 900,000 international students in 2023.

The Canadian government continues to issue a significant number of study permits, with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granting more than 280,000 new study permits between January and June 2023, marking a 77% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

Addressing International Student Challenges

Today’s announcement comes in the wake of a situation where over 700 Indian students in Canada faced deportation earlier this year after their fraudulent Letter of Acceptance (LOAs) was uncovered by the Canadian government. Many of these students had arrived in Canada to study between 2018 and 2019, and the fraud was only detected after they had completed their studies and were seeking permanent residency. Reports indicated that the fraudulent LOAs were fabricated by an unscrupulous immigration consultant in India who has since disappeared.

At the time, the IRCC stated that international students who were unaware or uninvolved in the fraud would not face deportation, bringing attention to the issue of international student fraud in Canada.

Senate Report Highlights International Student Integrity Concerns

The topic of international student integrity gained prominence with the release of a report by four members of Canada’s Senate on September 20. While recognizing the economic, social, and cultural benefits of international students to Canada, the report also underscored challenges in the integrity of Canada’s international student system. It highlighted the significant role played by education agents, who act as intermediaries on behalf of international student applicants in foreign countries, in compromising the system’s integrity.

The report revealed that many education agents direct international students to Canadian post-secondary programs that do not make graduates eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Completing such programs can result in a waste of time and money, as graduates may not be eligible to work and obtain permanent residence following graduation.

Minister Miller’s Commitment to Integrity

Minister Miller has consistently addressed the issue of international student integrity since assuming the role of Canada’s immigration minister in the summer. In various interviews, he has highlighted the “integrity challenges” within the current visa process for international students in Canada. Aligning with the points made in the Senate report, Miller emphasized that international students often fall victim to “false hope” provided by individuals seeking to exploit them, an issue that the IRCC acknowledges and is determined to tackle head-on.

During a recent hearing before the Canadian Parliamentary Committee for Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM), Miller reiterated the need to address integrity concerns in the international student program.

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