Canada has always been a popular destination for international students, thanks to its beautiful environment, great schools, and opportunities to work or immigrate after graduation through streams such as PGWP. To keep the International Student Program (ISP) running smoothly and protect students from being mistreated, IRCC had announced some important new rules.
These rules came into effect on November 15, 2024, and became a key part of Canada’s plan to balance its immigration goals while ensuring the quality and fairness of temporary resident programs.
Key Changes to the New International Student Program
1. Work Limit: 24 Hours Per Week
Starting now, international students can work up to 24 hours a week off campus while classes are in session. Earlier it was set to 20 hours a week but due to inconsistency in working schedules, it has been changed to 24 hours.
This change ensures students can focus on their studies while still having opportunities to earn money. Full-time work is still allowed during breaks like summer or winter holidays.
2. Switching Schools? New Rules Apply
If you want to change schools, you now need to apply for and get a new study permit before transferring. This ensures the system stays fair to all students who got their permits based on their field of study and DLI number.
3. Schools Must Report Student Status
Schools (called Designated Learning Institutions or DLIs) are now required to report whether their international students are enrolled and attending classes. If a school doesn’t comply, it could be banned from accepting new students for up to a year. In Quebec, schools have extra time to set up this system.
Cracking Down on Fake Acceptance Letters
Canada has been working hard to stop fraud in the system. Since December 2023, IRCC has:
- Checked 529,000 acceptance letters from schools.
- Verified 492,000 letters as real.
- Flagged 17,000 letters as fake or canceled before the student even applied.
This ensures that only legitimate students can come to Canada.
Importance of these changes
These changes are crucial to give international students a better, safer, and to protect them from bad actors in the system who are misusing the system.
By limiting work hours, requiring clear rules for school transfers, and holding schools accountable, the program will stay fair to everyone and eliminate any possibility of misusing the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can international students work full-time during school breaks?
A: Yes, students are allowed to work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as summer or winter holidays.
Q2. Are schools required to track international students’ enrollment?
A: Yes, schools (Designated Learning Institutions or DLIs) must report twice a year whether their international students are actively enrolled and attending classes.
Q3. What happens if a student doesn’t follow the rules of their study permit?
A: Students who are not eligible or fail to comply with their study permit conditions may face enforcement action
In Conclusion
These changes were announced several weeks ago, however, they are into effect from November 15, 2024. They are designed to protect students from fraud and ensure schools play their part in keeping the system honest. Canada wants every international student to have a great experience while contributing to the country’s future.
