To improve the immigration system and streamline processes for international students, Canada has recently implemented significant changes that will impact those who want to study in the country.
- Duration of the new promotion
- New certificate
- Changes to the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP).
- Limited work permits for spouses of international students
These interim changes are intended to provide oversight, alignment, and a stronger framework for both students and the Canadian government.
Temporary arrangement for two years
To accommodate the changing global landscape, these new measures will be implemented as a temporary change over a two-year period (2024–2026). During this period, you can evaluate the effectiveness of the changes and make further adjustments if necessary.
Receive the certificate.
Effective January 22, 2024, any study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will require an additional letter of recognition from a province or territory. While it provides an additional step in the application process, it also serves as a tool to improve the review process and establish communication between federal and state agencies. Each state or territory is actively developing a process for issuing these certificates, with the aim of having them ready by March 31, 2024. As more information becomes available for each region, the IRCC will post updates on its website.
Changes to eligibility for a Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP).
Effective September 1, 2024, there will be significant changes to the eligibility criteria for the Graduate Work Permit Program. Students who begin a program of study under the Curriculum Licensing Program are no longer eligible for a graduate work permit upon graduation. The purpose of this decision is to address concerns about the supervision and possible misuse of this permit category. In addition, master’s degree holders will now be able to apply for a three-year work permit, giving them a longer period to gain valuable work experience and move to permanent residency.
Limited work permits for spouses of international students
Another big change is the availability of open work permits for the spouses of international students. As per the new rules, only spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs will have an open work permit. Unfortunately, students at other levels of education, including graduate and undergraduate programs, are not eligible for this benefit. This system attempts to strike a balance between encouraging highly skilled immigration and maintaining control over the associated benefits.
While these changes may present challenges at first, the goal is to create a safer and more convenient process for international students looking to pursue their educational and career goals in Canada.
At Canadaim, we encourage all international students to stay informed by checking this page and our official channel for regular updates. More specific details will be provided by the IRCC in the coming months.
The easiest way to immigrate to Canada in 2024
Home to friendly locals, breathtaking scenery, and a strong economy. It’s no wonder that Canada attracts a significant number of international immigrants every year. Canada is known for welcoming immigrants and has become a good choice for people looking to make a fresh start.
Do you want to emigrate to Canada in 2024? The immigration process to a new country can be complicated and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. A comprehensive guide to five easy ways to immigrate to Canada in 2024:
Understanding Canada’s Immigration System
It is very important to understand the whole concept of the immigration system before you get into trouble. The Canadian immigration system is known for its diversity and is mainly divided into three categories: economic, family, and refugee. Each has unique criteria that meet the needs of different people.
“Why is immigration important to Canada?” You can ask The answer is simple. The diverse cultures, strong work ethic, and global outlook that immigrants bring with them greatly enrich the Canadian landscape. Furthermore, from an economic perspective, immigrants play an important role in balancing the aging population and creating a strong foundation for Canada’s workforce.
1. Express Entry (EE)
First, let’s talk about the Express Entry program, Canada’s golden ticket for skilled workers. The aim of this e-immigration program is to adapt to people with specific skills needed in the labor market. Advantages? Fast processing time, usually six months.
The Express Entry System is a way for the Canadian government to process applications for certain immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
If you think you are a good fit, meet the basic requirements: work experience, language skills (English or French), and the right level of education. Then comes the real game: creating an Express Entry profile and then joining the applicant pool. A higher score on the Comprehensive Ranking System means an accelerated invitation to apply from Canada. Doesn’t this sound like a competition you want to win?
2. Provincially designated programs
The Provincial Candidate Program (PNP) is the next item on the list. All Canadian provinces and territories (except Quebec, which has its own system) offer it as a separate immigration program. Nice feature if you have a soft spot for a certain province!
To qualify, you need a nomination (based on skills or a job offer) from a state, and then you can apply for federal immigration. However, remember that each Canadian province has its own immigration program, through which it can nominate people who meet the specific needs of the province’s labor market. These programs are designed to help immigrants settle in a specific area of Canada.
Different states have different requirements. Carefully considering your desired status criteria can save you from future real estate issues. To participate in the provincial nomination program, one must have the necessary skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the state’s economy. You must meet specific program requirements, which may vary from state to state.
3. Family trust
Family is the most important thing, right? Canada is showing its agreement with the family protection program. These immigration channels allow permanent residents or citizens of Canada to sponsor parents, grandparents, spouses, dependent children, and spouses.
So if you are lucky enough to have your family in Canada, this route is your gold mine. However, everything is not rosy. The sponsor must demonstrate that he is financially able to support the family members. Therefore, make sure that your sponsor is well prepared for this undertaking so that there are no obstacles on the road to migration.
If you have a spouse, partner, child, parent, or grandparent who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, they may be able to sponsor you to come to Canada. The sponsor must prove that he has the financial resources to support you and ensure that you are dependent on government support.
4. Study permit
You can take the opportunity to continue your studies and secure permanent residency, right? Canada offers these specific awards to international students. You will first receive a study permit (if you have an acceptance letter from a designated educational institution in Canada). Then you are ready to transition to permanent residency, especially with programs like the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP).
If you are admitted to a Canadian school, you can obtain a study permit that will allow you to live and study in Canada for the duration of your program. You must have a letter of acceptance from an accredited educational institution, proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses, and a clean criminal record. After completing your studies, you can apply for a work permit and possibly permanent residence.
5. Work permit
Based on the traditional concept of social immigration, Canada offers immigration through work permits. captured? You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, who will then provide a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Surfing the Canadian Job Board, networking, or using international job fairs can help you get that golden job letter. Then opening the door to permanent residence is not a progressive idea.
If you have a job offer from a Canadian employer, you can obtain a work permit that allows you to live and work in Canada for a certain period of time. To obtain a work permit, you must receive a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, meet specific job requirements, and be able to demonstrate that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires. This can be a step towards permanent residence.