Canada extends measure for international students to work full time; raises financial requirements

As the end of the year approaches marking the end of the measure to allow international students the right to work more than 20 hours per week, Canada’s immigration minister announced that the policy would be extended until April 30, 2024.

This announcement comes at the same time as Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants would be raised from $10,000 CAD to $20,635 for a single applicant in 2024.

According to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) media release:

“The cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has not changed since the early 2000s, when it was set at $10,000 for a single applicant. As such, the financial requirement hasn’t kept up with the cost of living over time, resulting in students arriving in Canada only to learn that their funds aren’t adequate.”

IRCC outlined the changes in a tweet, noting that the cost-of-living threshold will be changed each year which is in line with other Canadian immigration programs.

Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised to ensure that international students are better prepared for life in Canada. This threshold will be adjusted each year, similarly to other immigration programs. Learn… pic.twitter.com/AMlS80zc2Y

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) December 7, 2023

Online study still eligible for PGWP

In addition to the announcement about working in Canada, Minister Miller also announced that the pandemic-era measure allowing international students to count time spent studying online toward Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility will be extended. That is, as long as it constitutes less than half of the program of study.

The measure will continue to be in place for students who begin a Canadian study program before September 1, 2024. It will not be continued on or after that date, the release says noting that most international students are studying in person in Canada.

Last chance for PGWPs to extend work permit

As a special pandemic-related measure, IRCC had previously allowed PGWP holders with an expiring work permit to extend their stay in Canada for an additional 18 months.

Canada will allow PGWP holders whose permits are expiring on or before December 31, 2023 to apply to extend their stay. However, this is the final time this policy will be extended.

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