Canadian Federal Immigration Department Announces a Series of Adjustments to International Student Policies

On December 7, 2024, the Canadian Federal Immigration Department announced a series of significant adjustments to its policies for international students. These adjustments were made in response to the rising cost of living in Canada, particularly the increase in housing and food costs, which have led to financial strain for many international students. The Federal Immigration Department has comprehensively revised its policies for international students by raising the financial proof threshold for study permits, extending the unlimited off-campus work policy, discussing future adjustments to the work policy for international students, limiting the policy for applying for post-graduation work permits with online courses, and restricting the number of study permits issued.

1. The Federal Immigration Department announced an increase in the financial proof threshold for study permits from 10,000 Canadian dollars per year to 20,635 Canadian dollars per year, more than doubling the requirement.

2. The unlimited off-campus work policy has been extended until April 30, 2024. Students who already hold a study permit or who applied for one before December 7, 2023, can also enjoy unlimited off-campus work until April 30, 2024.

3. Starting from September 1, 2024, the policy that allowed students to apply for a post-graduation work permit with up to 50% online courses will no longer be in effect.

4. The existing policy for extending post-graduation work permits will expire on December 31, 2023.

5. The Federal Immigration Department indicated that it would limit the number of study permits issued.

These adjustments follow Canada's previous modifications to policies related to student study permits, including increased tuition fees, confirmation of offers, and the expansion of the list of "exemplary" institutions. These changes are not only due to scandals involving Indian students but also due to various social issues such as employment crises, food bank supplies, housing crises, etc.

It can be said that with these reforms to the study permit system and the previous changes to the LMIA policies, Canada is using various policies to filter for more necessary candidates. For those who wish to easily blend into Canadian society through immigration or study, the process is becoming increasingly difficult. Only by understanding the policies thoroughly and having a clear awareness of one's own conditions can one plan a comprehensive path to success.