Canada Hikes Fees for Permanent Residency Programs in 2024: Impact on International Students

 

Canada has announced fee increases for some permanent residency programs starting April 30, 2024. This came as both a surprise and a concern for international students, particularly those from India planning to study in Canada.

What’s New?

The changes introduced by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for 2024 will notably affect the process and prospects for international students. One of the major updates is the introduction of the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL), now a mandatory attachment for visa applications for undergraduate or graduate diploma/certificate programs. If a candidate fails to include a PAL, it could lead to outright application rejections. This is really a stringent shift in application prerequisites.

A Challenge That Brings Opportunities Too

Interestingly, the updates bring a mix of challenges and opportunities. For the students who are aiming for master’s or doctoral programs, the scenario remains unchanged. The announcement said that they are exempt from the PAL requirement.

Furthermore, these students can now benefit from an extended post-study work visa of up to 3 years. This provides a substantial timeframe to gain Canadian work experience and explore permanent settlement options.

This extension of the post-study work visa represents a strong incentive for prospective students. It highlights Canada’s commitment to retaining global talent. However, the new policies come with certain restrictions. Students studying at private colleges or institutions in Canada will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit if they switch to a public college for the official completion of their program.

For married students, the eligibility for applying for a spouse open work permit will now be contingent upon enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program. This represents a significant pivot from previous policies, where the level of study did not impact the eligibility for spouse permits.

These sweeping changes suggest a shift towards prioritizing higher degree levels and more stringent verification through the PAL, aiming to streamline the quality and authenticity of educational pursuits in Canada. Such measures could decrease the influx of international students by an estimated 35% in 2024, as only those who fully meet the new criteria will likely proceed with their applications.

Choice Immigration Services is Happy to Help

If you’re going through these complexities, seeking guidance from a reputable Immigration Agency in Edmonton can help in numerous ways. Choice Immigration Services, recognized as one of the Best Immigration agencies in Edmonton, offers comprehensive services to help students understand these new regulations and optimize their chances of successfully studying in Canada. Our expertise could be invaluable in navigating the evolving landscape of Canadian immigration and education policies.