Canada Reforms International Student Program 

Canada Reforms International Student Program 

Starting January 1, 2024, Canada is making changes to its International Student Program to better support those coming to study in the country. A key update is the increase in the funds that international students need to show, rising from $10,000 to more than $20,000. This ensures that new students have enough money to cover their living expenses during their stay.

✨ Continued Work Opportunities
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has extended the waiver on the 20-hour-per-week off-campus work limit until April 30, 2024. There are also discussions about potential future options, including the possibility of decreasing off-campus work hours to 30 per week while classes are in session.

📚Online Studies Recognized
A further measure allowing students to count online studies towards the length of a future Post-Graduation Work Permit has also been extended to include students who begin a program before September 1, 2024. The time spent studying online must constitute less than 50 per cent of the studies.

💰 Increased Financial Requirements for Student Well-being
To ensure the well-being of international students, the required funds have been increased to $20,635. This amount, 75% of the Statistics Canada low-income cut-off, aims to cover essential living expenses. This change responds to reports of students facing financial difficulties, some resorting to food banks for survival.

🛡️ Protecting Students and Enhancing Their Experience
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasizes that these changes are long overdue and crucial for the success of international students in Canada. The adjustments aim to protect students from financial vulnerability and exploitation, ensuring they have a positive and fulfilling experience in the country.

💼 Economic Impact and Expansion of Guidelines
International education significantly contributes to Canada's economy, surpassing exports in key sectors and supporting over 200,000 jobs. These new financial guidelines also extend to the Student Direct Stream, benefiting residents of 14 countries, with Quebec independently maintaining its cost-of-living threshold for students in the province.

🇨🇦 The Bottom Line
These changes in the reforms reflect Canada's commitment to the well-being and success of international students, acknowledging their cultural, social, and economic contributions to the country.  

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