Laura Tucker
As of 1 June 2014, Canadian student visa regulations will be different. The new regulations come as part of an effort to strengthen Canada’s standing as a popular destination for international students and improve the service that students from abroad receive when applying for a Canadian student visa. Officials say the changes are also being implemented to protect Canada’s higher education reputation and to make it harder for visitors to misuse the program. Here’s a quick overview of what’s changing…
Students must enroll on a course before applying for a visa
Up until now, international students simply had to express their intention of studying in Canada in order to apply for their student visa. However, the new regulations will require students to officially enroll on a course at a designated institution before applying for a visa. Students will also face deportation if they drop out of their course. Those enrolled on courses lasting six months or less will not need a student visa, but a visitor visa is still required for international students from certain countries.
Automatic rights to work while studying in Canada
In addition, the new regulations should make it easier for students to pursue part-time work in Canada. While the old regulations required students to apply for an off-campus work permit, under the new rulings, full-time students will automatically be given the right to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term-time and full-time during holidays.
Possible to apply for a student visa from within Canada
Previous regulations stipulated that students were unable to apply for a Canadian student visa while within the country. One major change for 2014 is that students who are already in the country as a visiting student, on an exchange program, or having just completed a recognized course, will now be able to apply for their visa from within Canada.
90 days to remain in Canada after course completion
Students will also have 90 days after completing their course before their Canadian student visa becomes invalid. In order to remain in the country, graduates must gain a Canadian work visa or undertake postgraduate studies. As of 1 June 2014, graduates will be able to work full-time until a decision is made on their post-graduation work/study visa.
International students who are currently studying in Canada at a non-designated institution will be permitted to complete their program unaffected for up to three years after the new regulations come into effect. If these students hold off-campus or co-op work visas, they will also be able to use and renew these if necessary, for a period of up to three years also. For more information go to the Government of Canada’s citizen and immigration web page.