As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies, 2024 brings several significant changes aimed at supporting international students and immigrants while addressing economic and social challenges. These updates reflect the government's commitment to maintaining the integrity of its immigration system, ensuring adequate support for newcomers, and aligning with labor market needs.
1. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Enhancements
The Canadian government has announced key changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program, which will take effect on September 1, 2024. One of the most notable changes is the extension of the work permit duration for graduates of master's degree programs. Previously, the duration of the PGWP varied based on the length of the study program. However, starting next year, graduates of master’s programs will be eligible for a three-year work permit, regardless of their program length. This extension provides more time for graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience and increases their chances of transitioning to permanent residency [oai_citation:1,IRCC announces new eligibility criteria for Post-Graduation Work Permits | CIC News](https://www.cicnews.com/2024/01/ircc-announces-new-eligibility-criteria-for-the-post-graduation-work-permit-0142511.html) [oai_citation:2,Canada changes post-graduation work-permits for international students - Jamboree](https://www.jamboreeindia.com/know-how/canada-changes-post-graduation-work-permits-for-international-students).
Additionally, students enrolled in programs delivered through curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This change is intended to ensure that work permits are granted to students who are more likely to integrate into the Canadian labor market successfully [oai_citation:3,Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued to approximately 360,000 for 2024 - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/01/canada-to-stabilize-growth-and-decrease-number-of-new-international-student-permits-issued-to-approximately-360000-for-2024.html).
2. Study Permit Application Cap
In a significant policy shift, Canada will introduce a cap on new international student permit applications in 2024. The government plans to limit these applications to approximately 360,000, representing a 35% reduction from the 2023 levels. This measure aims to stabilize the growth of international student numbers and ensure that provinces with high numbers of international students can provide adequate support and resources, particularly regarding housing and other essential services [oai_citation:4,Canada to stabilize growth and decrease number of new international student permits issued to approximately 360,000 for 2024 - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2024/01/canada-to-stabilize-growth-and-decrease-number-of-new-international-student-permits-issued-to-approximately-360000-for-2024.html).
3. Increased Financial Requirements for Study Permits
Starting January 1, 2024, the financial requirements for study permit applicants will increase to better reflect the actual cost of living in Canada. The new threshold will be $20,635 for a single applicant, in addition to the first year's tuition and travel costs. This adjustment, which will be updated annually based on Statistics Canada’s low-income cut-off (LICO), aims to ensure that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada, thereby reducing their vulnerability to exploitation and financial hardship [oai_citation:5,Revised requirements to better protect international students - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/12/revised-requirements-to-better-protect-international-students.html).
4. Work Permit Policy Extensions
The Canadian government has extended the temporary waiver on the 20-hour-per-week limit for off-campus work for international students. This waiver, which was initially set to expire at the end of 2023, will now remain in place until April 30, 2024. This extension allows international students currently in Canada, as well as those who applied for a study permit before December 7, 2023, to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus. The government is also exploring options to expand off-campus work hours for international students to 30 hours per week while classes are in session in the future [oai_citation:6,Revised requirements to better protect international students - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/12/revised-requirements-to-better-protect-international-students.html).
Moreover, the facilitative measure that allows international students to count time spent studying online towards the length of their future PGWP will continue for students who start their programs before September 1, 2024. This measure, first introduced during the pandemic, will help students who began their education online due to travel restrictions [oai_citation:7,Revised requirements to better protect international students - Canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/12/revised-requirements-to-better-protect-international-students.html).
5. Permanent Residence Fee Increases
Starting April 30, 2024, there will be an increase in the fees for permanent residence applications. This adjustment affects various categories, including family reunification, humanitarian and compassionate considerations, and economic class immigrants. For instance, the fee for principal applicants in the family reunification category will increase from $490 to $545, and the fee for accompanying spouses or common-law partners will rise from $570 to $635. These increases are intended to better reflect the actual costs associated with processing these applications [oai_citation:8,Changes to Canada’s permanent residence fees starting April 30, 2024 | CIC News](https://www.cicnews.com/2024/04/changes-to-canadas-permanent-residence-fees-starting-april-30-2024-0443720.html).
6. Comprehensive Immigration Strategy
Canada's new Immigration Levels Plan for 2024-2026 aims to strengthen the country's economy, reunite families, and provide a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. The plan targets a gradual increase in the number of permanent resident admissions, with the goal of admitting 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024, 500,000 in 2025, and 515,000 in 2026 [oai_citation:9,Canada announces Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 | CIC News](https://www.cicnews.com/2023/11/canada-immigration-levels-plan-2024-2026-1140114.html).
The strategy, titled "An Immigration System for Canada’s Future," focuses on creating a more welcoming experience for newcomers, aligning immigration with labor market needs, and developing a comprehensive and coordinated growth plan. The government is committed to improving the user experience for immigration applicants and ensuring that policies are in line with the country’s economic and social needs [oai_citation:10,Canada announces Immigration Levels Plan 2024-2026 | CIC News](https://www.cicnews.com/2023/11/canada-immigration-levels-plan-2024-2026-1140114.html).
Conclusion
The updates to Canada’s immigration policies for 2024 reflect a comprehensive approach to managing the influx of international students and immigrants. By extending work permits, increasing financial requirements, capping study permit applications, and raising permanent residence fees, the government aims to create a more sustainable and supportive environment for newcomers. These measures are designed to ensure that international students and immigrants can successfully integrate into Canadian society while contributing to the country's economic growth and addressing labor market needs.
For more detailed information on these changes, you can visit the [official IRCC announcements](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news.html).
