The Canadian government has implemented updated regulations for international students, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on November 15, 2024. These changes impact working hours, school transfers, and compliance measures for students and designated learning institutions (DLIs).
Under the new rules, international students can now work up to 24 hours a week during the academic term, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This adjustment is designed to provide students with greater financial flexibility and work experience.
During scheduled school breaks, students can work full-time, provided their study permits explicitly allow this.
Students must ensure their study permits include these working conditions. If not, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) can be requested to amend them.
Non-compliance with the conditions, such as exceeding the 24-hour work limit or working beyond the permit’s scope, could result in severe penalties. These include the loss of student status, ineligibility for future immigration programs, or even removal from Canada.
DLIs must now report twice yearly to confirm international student enrollment and compliance. Institutions must adhere to these requirements to avoid government investigations and potential restrictions, including a one-year suspension from accepting new international students.
Changing schools has also become more regulated. When transferring to a different institution, international students must apply for a new study permit. This step ensures that students comply with their current study permits and attend government-approved schools.
In addition, IRCC has intensified efforts to validate Letters of Acceptance (LOAs) issued by institutions. By December 2023, nearly 492,000 LOAs had been reviewed, with over 17,000 found to be forged or canceled. To combat fraud, students must now, in most cases, provide a provincial attestation letter along with the LOA.
These measures aim to protect international students, uphold program integrity, and ensure compliance with Canadian immigration laws.
The post Canada Implements Stricter Regulations for International Students appeared first on CI News | Latest Canada Immigration News.
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