Canada has long been a beacon for international students seeking a world-class education and a multicultural experience. However, recent changes in immigration policies have introduced a significant adjustment for these students. Starting January 1, 2024, international students in Canada will now be restricted to a 20-hour work week during their academic sessions. The pilot program, which temporarily removed the 20-hour weekly cap on the number of hours eligible post-secondary students could work off-campus while classes are in session, was launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Sean Fraser last Fall. This adjustment will now expire on December 31, 2023. The regulations affected full-time students who have employment authorization in Canada based on their study permit.
Trying to understand the shift, this new policy, while aimed at various considerations, has sparked discussions and raised questions within the international student community. To comprehend the implications of this change, it’s crucial to delve into the reasons behind it.
Reasons Behind the Policy Change:
- Maintaining Focus on Studies: The primary objective of this adjustment is to ensure that international students prioritize their academic commitments. By limiting work hours, authorities aim to enhance the academic experience for students.
- Addressing Employment Gaps: Concerns have been raised about potential gaps in the Canadian job market, especially in part-time roles typically filled by Canadian students. The new policy seeks to strike a balance and address such concerns.
- Enhancing Immigration Compliance: The 20-hour work week restriction aligns with Canada’s commitment to immigration compliance. It aims to ensure that international students adhere to their visa conditions and contribute positively to the Canadian workforce.
For international students, this adjustment necessitates careful planning and adaptation. While the 20-hour work week restriction may pose challenges, it also opens avenues for personal and professional growth.
- Financial Considerations: Students may need to reassess their financial plans, exploring options such as scholarships, grants, or budget adjustments to accommodate the change in work hours.
- Professional Development Opportunities: With a reduced focus on part-time work, students can channel their energy into extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer opportunities that align with their career goals.
- Time Management Skills: The restriction encourages students to hone their time management skills, balancing academic commitments with personal and professional pursuits.
- Seeking Guidance: International student support services and academic advisors will play a crucial role in helping students navigate these changes. It is essential for students to actively seek guidance on managing their academic and professional aspirations within the new framework.
What are the new changes to Initial Study Permits in 2024?
- Commencing on December 1, 2023, post-secondary designated learning institutes (DLI) shall verify each applicant’s acceptance letter with IRCC directly. The improved verification process will guarantee that only legitimate letters of acceptance will be used to grant study visas.
- A “recognized institution” framework will be adopted by IRCC in time for the autumn 2024 semester, which will help post-secondary DLIs meet higher standards for foreign students’ outcomes, services, and support.
- In time for the autumn 2024 semester, IRCC will establish a “recognized institution” structure that will assist post-secondary DLIs in meeting greater requirements for the services, support, and outcomes provided to international students.
How much is tuition in Canada?
According to Statistics Canada (2022), the average annual cost of university tuition for international undergraduate students in Canada is around $36,100. $21,100 annually for graduate students from outside the country (Statistics Canada, 2022). Tuition for graduate school has increased by roughly 2.2% and for Canadian undergraduates participating in degree programs, by 3.0%, in 2022.
- Domestic (Canadian) Students:
- Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees for domestic undergraduate students in Canada typically range from approximately CAD 5,128 to CAD 23,963 per year. Engineering, Business, and other specialized programs might be at the higher end of this range. But undergraduates studying Dentistry have the highest average annual fees paid at 23,963 CAD
- Graduate Programs: Graduate program tuition for domestic students can vary widely, ranging from approximately CAD 4,018 to CAD 53,227 or more per year, depending on the program and institution. Graduates studying executive MBAs have the highest average annual fees to pay at 53,227 CAD
- International Students:
- Undergraduate Programs: Tuition fees for international undergraduate students are generally higher than those for domestic students. On average, international undergraduate tuition can range from CAD 20,000 to CAD 40,000 per year.
- Graduate Programs: International graduate students can expect to pay higher tuition fees compared to domestic students. Graduate program fees for international students can range from approximately CAD 20,000 to CAD 60,000 per year or more.
It’s important to consider additional costs such as living expenses, accommodation, books, and health insurance, which can contribute to the overall cost of studying in Canada.
Moreover, some provinces in Canada have different fee structures, and professional programs such as law, medicine, and business often have higher tuition fees.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we recommend checking the official websites of the specific universities or contacting their admissions offices. Additionally, the Canadian government’s official website or provincial education websites may provide helpful information regarding tuition fees and financial aid options.
