How the new immigration cap and work permit changes affect international students and their spouses
Canada has recently announced a series of new immigration measures that will impact the number and eligibility of international students and their spouses coming to the country. In this blog post, we will explain what these changes are, why they were introduced, and how they will affect you and your family.
What are the new immigration measures?
The new immigration measures include:
- A cap on the number of approved study permits for international students by 35% from 2023. This means that Canada will accept fewer international students than before.
- A requirement for an attestation letter from a province or territory for every study permit application. This means that each province or territory will have a say in how many international students they can accommodate.
- A change in the allocation of the cap based on population. This means that some provinces and territories will have more or less space for international students than before.
- A change in the eligibility criteria for the post-graduation work permit program. This means that some students will be excluded or included from the program based on their program of study and level of education.
- A change in the availability of open work permits for spouses of international students. This means that only spouses of master’s and doctoral students will be able to work in Canada without a job offer.
Why were these changes introduced?
According to the government, these changes were introduced to address the following issues:
- Immigration fraud: Some international students have been using fake documents or agents to obtain study permits or work permits, or have been involved in illegal activities in Canada.
- Housing crisis: The influx of international students has contributed to the shortage and high cost of housing in some cities, especially in Vancouver and Toronto.
- Unsustainable growth: Some provinces and territories have seen a disproportionate increase in the number of international students, which has put pressure on their resources and services, such as health care, education, and transportation.
How will these changes affect you and your family?
These changes will affect you and your family depending on your situation and goals. Here are some possible scenarios:
- If you are already studying in Canada and have a valid study permit, you will not be affected by the cap. However, you may be affected by the changes in the post-graduation work permit program or the open work permit for spouses, depending on your program of study and level of education.
- If you are planning to apply for a study permit, you will need to obtain an attestation letter from the province or territory where you want to study. You will also face more competition and fewer chances of getting approved, as the cap will reduce the number of available study permits.
- If you are a spouse or common-law partner of an international student, you will only be able to apply for an open work permit if your partner is studying at the master’s or doctoral level. Otherwise, you will need to find a job offer and apply for a regular work permit.
What can you do to prepare for these changes?
If you are affected by these changes, you may need to adjust your plans and expectations. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
- Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest immigration news and policies by visiting the official websites of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the provinces and territories. You can also follow us on our website and social media for more information and guidance.
- Seek professional help: If you are unsure or confused about your options and eligibility, you can contact us at Sangam Immigration Services Ltd. We are a registered immigration consultancy based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. We have extensive experience and expertise in helping international students and their spouses with their immigration needs. You can reach us at +1 9052981298 or visit our website at www.sangamimmigration.com.
- Plan ahead: If you are planning to apply for a study permit, a post-graduation work permit, or an open work permit, you should start your application process as soon as possible. The processing time for these permits can take several months, and the cap may affect the availability and duration of these permits. You should also prepare all the required documents and evidence to support your application and avoid any delays or rejections.
We hope this blog post has helped you understand the new immigration measures and how they will affect you and your family. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your dreams of studying and working in Canada.