Hey, future Canadian student!
We understand the recent changes to Canada's student visa and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) policies may have caused some concern. But there’s no need to worry—there are still plenty of opportunities for you to apply and pursue your studies in this country!
In this article, we'll clarify the recent updates and provide tips to improve your chances of successfully studying in Canada.
This information is sourced directly from the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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What are the changes in the Canadian student visa process?
As of November 8, 2024, the Student Direct Stream (SDS) process has been terminated. The SDS was a program in Canada that previously offered faster visa processing for international students from India and 13 other countries. The changes are outlined in the table below.
| During Student Direct Stream (SDS) | Current process (After SDS termination) |
|---|---|
| Quicker processing of student visa applications. | Regular processing of student visa applications. |
| Visa processing time was 5-20 days. | Visa processing time is 8-12 weeks. |
| Students could previously opt for either SDS or regular visa processing. | Students have no choice but to apply under regular visa processing. |
| Students could start their application process 2-3 months before because their visas would be quickly processed. | Students should start with their application process well in advance with a 6-month time gap. |
| If you’ve submitted your application under the SDS by 2 pm ET on November 8, 2024, your application will be processed quickly. | Any application submitted after this deadline will be processed through the regular study visa stream, which might take longer. |
Did you know?
Another policy update made is that international students can now work part-time for 24 hours a week from 20 hours previously, making it easier to manage finances and gain work experience.
Additionally, there are more part-time jobs available, especially in skilled labour, just in the Ontario region. While there are limited jobs at petrol stations and fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s, many other rewarding part-time positions are available.
With new changes in place, it is important to note that applications will still be processed; so patience is key.
Tips to improve your Canadian visa acceptance rate after SDS termination
Getting a visa remains easy by following the same steps as the SDS process. This can also increase your chances of having it processed smoothly.
- Pay the first-year fees
- Create a one-year Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC)
A GIC is a secure investment offered by Canadian banks. It requires you to deposit money ensuring you have funds for your studies in Canada.
If you don’t want to show a GIC, you can provide proof of funds instead. This includes:
- The source of the funds
- An affidavit of support (from your sponsor)
- Your relationship with the sponsor
- 3 months of bank statements
To avoid this paperwork, we recommend taking the GIC route.
Another recommendation is exploring provinces other than Ontario. There are several other provinces in Canada that offer ample job opportunities, faster visa approval, and are often less chosen. Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia are good options to consider.
A quick summary of Canadian student visa changes:
- The SDS program has been terminated, but you can still successfully apply for a visa through the regular process.
- Begin your application at least 6 months ahead of time.
- To boost your chances of getting a visa: pay your first year’s tuition fees, get a GIC and consider applying to schools in different provinces.
What is the new update on the post-graduation work permit?
Let’s first understand what the post-graduation work permit is:
- As the name suggests, post-graduation work permits are open work permits for international students who graduate from a Canadian program.
- This permit lets graduates work for any employer, anywhere in Canada, for as many hours as they want.
- They can be valid for 8 months to 3 years, depending on the length of the study program, and help students gain Canadian work experience.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that starting November 1, 2024, there will be new language and field of study requirements for international students applying to the PGWP.
- If you apply for a PGWP on or after November 1, 2024, you must meet both the new language and field of study requirements, depending on your situation.
- If you submitted a study permit application before November 1, 2024, you only need to meet the new language requirements.
What are the new language requirements for PGWP?
The requirements vary depending on the type of program from which graduates have earned their degrees.
Note: CLB- Canadian Language Benchmarks, NCLC- Niveaux de competence linguistique Canadiens
| Graduates | Language requirement | Field of study |
|---|---|---|
| University bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral | CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four areas (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) | No restrictions. All fields are eligible |
| Other university programs | CLB 7 or NCLC 7 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
| College or other programs | CLB 5 or NCLC 5 in all four areas | Must be in an eligible field |
Overall language requirements
- You must provide proof of your language skills when you apply for the PGWP
- Proof of ability in reading, writing, listening, and speaking
- Test results must be less than 2 years old
- Accepted tests include the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English (PTE Core), and TCF Canada / French
What are the new field of study requirements for PGWP?
IRCC has released a classification of instructional programs (CIP) code for 966 eligible programs, divided into the following categories:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- Healthcare
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Trade
- Transport
To obtain a PGWP, you need to pick a course from one of these categories and graduate from a program linked to occupations in long-term shortage.
Not all programs of study in Canada are eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Ensure you verify PGWP eligibility before selecting a program.
Many programs like MBA, International Business Management, or other business programs have been removed from PGWP eligibility. While you can still get a visa for these programs, you must return to your home country after graduation and will not be allowed to work in Canada.
Even if you do not choose PGWP-eligible courses, you can still study in Canada and obtain a student visa.
A quick summary of Canadian post-graduation work permit changes:
- PGWP applicants must graduate from a skilled program in eligible fields such as Agriculture, Healthcare, STEM, Trade, or Transport.
- Business programs like MBA are no longer eligible for PGWP.
- You will need to meet two new requirements for the PGWP: language skills and field of study.
To conclude, you need not worry. The visa will still continue to be processed but might take longer than when SDS was available. You need to keep calm and have patience.
It is best to start your application process 6 months in advance. This allows 1-2 months for obtaining the offer letter, paying deposits, getting medical exams done, and another 2-3 months for visa approval.
Planning to study in Canada? We can help you every step of the way! Connect with us today for visa application guidance.
