As the country with one of the highest numbers of international students, Canada has become a darling destination for students worldwide.
Education in the country has been praised by scholars from all over the world, and they are all right about it.
Canada has many institutions that are ranked top in the world stage but that’s not the only reason students love this country.
The people are welcoming and friendly, and as a student, you will easily feel at home.
If you are aspiring to study in Canada or are already a student in the country, you should be aware of the recent changes to the rules guiding international students here.
These are rules you must obey if you do not want to have issues with immigration authorities in the country.
The new rules for international students in Canada include:
New rules for international students in Canada
These rules guide your stay in Canada.
You must have a valid study permit
- As an international student in Canada, you need a study permit before you can engage in academic activities in the country, unless, your program does not require one.
- Your permit must be issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- To apply for a study permit, you must have an acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
- It is also important for you to apply for your study permit before coming to Canada.
- Upon approving your application, you will be issued a letter of introduction which you will present at the port of entry in Canada.
Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs)
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As an international student, make sure the school you choose is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), meaning it is approved by the Canadian government.
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DLIs include universities, colleges, and other schools that are officially allowed to accept international students.
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If a school isn’t on the DLI list, you won’t be able to get a study permit
You must maintain full-time enrollment
- If you’re an international student at a DLI, you need to stay enrolled full-time while studying.
- This simply means taking the required number of courses or credits your school asks for to keep your student status.
You must not work more than the allowed hours
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As of November 2024, international students in Canada can work up to 24 hours per week off-campus while classes are in session, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit.
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You must not exceed this limit – working more than 24 hours per week will get your student visa cancelled.
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Also, before taking any job, check your study permit to make sure you’re allowed to work on or off campus.
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If your permit doesn’t include work authorization, you must avoid working while studying.
Tax obligations
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If you’re an international student working in Canada, you’ll need to follow Canadian tax laws.
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Make sure you understand your tax obligations and file your income tax return if required.
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If you’re unsure about anything, your school’s international student office can help.
You must comply with immigration regulations
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As an international student in Canada, you must follow immigration rules throughout your stay.
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Your study permit, passport, and other documents must be valid.
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If your visa or study permit has specific rules, kindly follow them.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
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After finishing your studies in Canada, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
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This permit lets you work in Canada for the same length as your study program, up to a maximum of three years.
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If you’re eligible and want to stay, apply on time to avoid any issues.
Restrictions on post-graduation work permit (PGWP) applications
- Take note of this: Effective June 21, 2024, international students can no longer apply for a PGWP at the border – a practice known as “flagpole.”
- This change aims to streamline the application process and maintain program integrity.
Keep your financial proof
- To study in Canada, you must show that you have enough money to cover your tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
- This has been the rule and it hasn’t changed, however, there is an update to the amount you must present as proof of funds.
- To study in Canada, your proof of funds must show evidence of at least $20,635 (CAD) as living expenses.
- This is in addition to your first-year tuition fee.
You must have health insurance
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Most provinces in Canada offer health insurance to international students, but the coverage and rules aren’t the same everywhere.
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Check what applies in the province where you’ll be studying.
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Plus, make sure you get health insurance as soon as you arrive.
If expired, you must renew your permit on time
- Your study permit should last for your entire program, but if it expires before you finish (for example, if you repeat a class), you must renew it before it runs out.
You must maintain academic progress
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As an international student, you need to maintain satisfactory academic progress.
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If your grades drop too low, you could be placed on academic probation or even lose your study permit.
Mandatory approval for changing institutions
- If you want to transfer to a different school in Canada, you must now apply for and get a new study permit before making the switch.
Report changes to your details
- You must update IRCC if your contact information, academic program, or marital status change.
- Not doing so will affect your immigration status.
- You also need to follow Canadian laws, including rules on driving, alcohol, and work.
- Breaking the law will get you in trouble.
Finally, respect Canadian culture and be open to new experiences. Being friendly and willing to learn will make your time in Canada much more enjoyable.
