Applying for a Canada student visa will now mean you paying double

Canada's Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has revealed major changes to the study permit rules, with a focus on boosting the financial readiness of international students. 

The adjustments include a significant rise in the financial standards for those seeking study permits. 

Miller emphasized that these changes underline the government's dedication to ensuring the credibility of the education system, as reported by ANI.

What

One big change is that the amount of money needed for living expenses will go up. 

• International students applying for study permits in Canada will face these significant changes starting January 1, 2024
• Since the early 2000s, the cost-of-living requirement has stayed the same at $10,000 (INR 8 lakh 33 thousand appx) for one person. 
• But now, in response to the increasing cost of living, it will be raised to $20,635 (INR 17 lakh 20 thousand appx) which is 75% of the low-income cut-off (LICO).

This amount will be adjusted every year based on Statistics Canada's LICO to make sure international students are ready for the financial challenges of living in Canada.

These changes are not just about the higher cost of living; they also tackle issues like finding good housing for international students. 

The government wants to make sure students are protected from financial problems and exploitation.

 Following the changes made on October 27, 2023, to the International Student Programme, the government is now introducing a new system to identify schools that offer excellent services and support, including housing.

According to the update, schools should only accept as many students as they can properly help.

Minister Miller also shared updates on temporary rules for international students.

• One is the extension of the permission to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus, which now lasts until April 30, 2024.
• Another rule allows online study time to count toward post-graduation work permits.

The government wants to make sure students are protected from financial problems and exploitation.

To support international students facing unique challenges, the government plans to try out new ideas with targeted pilot programs in 2024. 

These pilots will help students who are underrepresented and facing difficulties to pursue their studies in Canada.