Canada tightens visa rules: Here’s what will change for international students

OTTAWA – Canada’s immigration ministry introduced several new criteria for international students intending to pursue studies in Canada, visibly making them tough.

The Canadian government has decided to increase the amount of money that international students need to show they have for living expenses. The new requirement is approximately CAN$20,635 which is more than double the current amount of about CDN$10,000. This change will start affecting students applying for study permits from January 1, 2024.

By increasing the financial requirement, the government aims to ensure that students have enough money to cover their living costs, signaling a focus on the well-being and financial stability of international students during their studies in Canada. The development suggests a commitment to maintaining the quality and sustainability of the international student program and aligning it with the evolving needs and economic realities of the country.

The recent increase in the required savings for study permits in Canada marks the first adjustment in a decade. This change signifies a significant shift in the financial criteria for international students.

The new savings requirement for international students is likely to change frequently depending on various factors as deemed appropriate by the authorities.

Additionally, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that the government is allowing international students who currently don’t have a work visa to continue working more than 20 hours a week off-campus. This initiative may help students who rely on part-time work to support themselves while studying.

“International students provide significant cultural, social and economic benefits to their communities, but they have also faced challenges navigating life in Canada. We are revising the cost-of-living threshold so that international students understand the true cost of living here. This measure is key to their success in Canada. We are also exploring options to ensure that students find adequate housing. These long-overdue changes will protect international students from financially vulnerable situations and exploitation,” Miller said.

The minister went a mile more and threatened to limit visas in provinces that don’t help house students or who won’t shut down educational institutions that he believes shouldn’t be operating.

Canada is a vast and geographically diverse country located in North America with a population of about 38 million. It is the second-largest country globally, known for its expansive landscapes, including mountains, forests, lakes, and coastlines.