Indian Students Protests Over Canada's New Immigration Rules

Amid the ongoing immigrant policy tightening norms by the Canadian government, Indian students studying in Canada are protesting as there are reports that hundreds of students will get deported if the ongoing tightening of work permits happens. Reportedly, some policy changes will have an immediate impact on International students.

A significant number of International students studying in Canada are Indians. As per the data available, In 2022, nearly 2.25 lakh Indian students were studying in Canada which increased to 2.78 lakh in 2023. From January to July 2024, the reported numbers are 1 lakh and the number for the entire year will be available later. Reportedly, the number is expected to go down due to the bilateral tension between Canada and India.

Read also: Visitors Can No Longer Apply For Work Permits Within Canada

However, from January 1, 2024, onwards international students need to have double the amount of money in their bank accounts – Canadian dollars (CAD) 20,635 to obtain a Canadian study permit. This is in addition to their tuition and travel costs. As per the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the immigration arm of the government stated that the financial requirement has not kept up with the cost of living over time, which results in inadequate funds in their accounts.

“For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635 representing 75% of low-income cut-offs (LICO), in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024”, IRCC said.

During a pandemic, some relaxations were given to meet labor demands for instance off-campus labor demands. On April 30, 2024, a temporary work permit that allowed international students to work off-campus for more than 20 hours per week ended. From May to August students worked only 20 hours per week. However, now from September 1, they will be able to work for 24 hours per week.

Read also: Australia To Cut Down Foreign Student Intake As A Bid To Curb Migration

In January 2024, a cap was also put on number of international students. As per the IRCC the cap is expected to result in 3.6 lakh approved study permits, which is lesser by 35% from 2023. The number of new study permit applications will be re-assessed at the end of the current calender year. The provincial and territorial caps are put based on the population.

International students who are a part of study program under curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) upon graduation.

Also the open work permits will be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctor programs. The spouses of undergraduate and college level will no longer be eligible.