Gunness & Assocaites | Canadian Immigration specialists in Ontario

  Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permit applicants On December 7, 2023, Canada revised the Proof of Funds requirement for study permit applicants. Marc Miller, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), announced an increase in the financial requirement for study permit applicants. Based on the annual update of the low-income cut-off (LICO), this adjustment ensures students are financially prepared for life in Canada.  The requirement, unchanged since the early 2000s, has become inadequate. For 2024, a single applicant must show they have $20,635, plus first-year tuition and travel costs. The change applies to new study permit applications from January 1, 2024. Furthermore, the exemption from working hour restrictions that were previously scheduled to end on December 31 for international students has been extended until April 30, 2024. This makes it possible for students to work more than 20 hours a week during the winter semester off

  International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024 International students in Canada hope for a PGWP extension in 2024, given the limited options for permanent residency. By mid-2023, Canada had approximately 2.2 million temporary residents, with over 1 million holding work permits - which has almost doubled in a year.  The PGWP, typically a one-time issuance, was temporarily extended during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent extension granting an additional 18 months for permits expiring by December 2023. Previously, students relied on the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) category of the Express Entry system for permanent residency, but the absence of CEC-specific rounds has led to heightened competition. Now, students remain optimistic about a PGWP extension. For more information please connect with an Immigration Consultant. Canada expanded PGWP distance learning measures On September 1, 2023, the Government of Canada extended measures allowing international studen

  Impact of international student enrollment on domestic students in Canada From 2010-2019, the number of international students at Canadian public post-secondary institutions increased from 142,200 to 388,800. Now, over 800,000 international students study at all levels in Canada. This surge raised concerns about the impact on domestic enrolment.  However, a Statistics Canada study showed a positive relationship between domestic and international enrolment. The study focused on:  Science,  Technology,  Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Business,  Humanities,  Arts,  Social Sciences, and  Education (BHASE) programs.  It found that increased international enrolment did not affect domestic enrolment at the institution level. However, a positive correlation was seen in STEM and BHASE courses: as international enrollment rose, so did domestic enrollment.  This was stronger for BHASE programs in post-secondary non-tertiary and short-cycle tertiary programs. No correlation was found at

  International students positively impact the Canadian education system There has been a considerable increase in the number of international students choosing to further their studies in Canada recently. This influx enhances the cultural diversity on campuses throughout the country and significantly impacts the education system, economy, and the communities that host these students.  The growing multicultural environment within educational institutions enriches the learning experience for both local and international students. The increased revenues from international tuition fees also help to improve the quality of education and research in Canadian institutions. Additionally, this trend contributes to the local economy as students spend on housing, food, and other living expenses. Overview of the Canadian education system  Education in Canada is primarily provided publicly, with funding and supervision provided by provincial, territorial, and local governments. Education is governe

IRCC amended the International Student Program to protect international students On October 27, 2023, Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, announced plans to strengthen the International Student Program. From December 1, 2023, learning institutions must confirm each applicant's acceptance directly with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), preventing acceptance letter fraud and ensuring study permits are issued based on genuine acceptance letters.  For fall 2024, a "recognized institution" framework will be implemented, offering priority study permit processing to institutions providing superior services for international students.  Additionally, IRCC will reform the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program to better align with Canadian labor market needs and immigration goals. Check your eligibility to Study in Canada  Details of the Changes in the International Student Program The Most Honourable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship,