Study in Canada

In a significant move that could impact thousands of international students to increase Off-Campus Work Hours, Ottawa is considering a proposal to allow students to work more than 20 hours per week off campus. This proposal, which is currently under review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has the potential to bring substantial changes to the lives of nearly 297,000 international students studying in Canada. The Background of the Proposal The discussion around increasing off-campus work hours for international students isn’t new. Last November, there was a formal request to reconsider the work-hour limits. Subsequently, IRCC conducted a 30-day review to explore the feasibility and potential impacts of this change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the work-hour limit was temporarily increased to 24 hours per week to support students facing financial difficulties. However, this limit was reduced back to 20 hours in April 2023. The Need for Change International students often rely on part-time work to support their living expenses while studying in Canada. With the current 20-hour limit, many students struggle to balance their academic commitments and financial needs. The proposed increase in work hours aims to address this issue, providing students with the flexibility to earn more without compromising their education. Balancing Act: Income and Education The IRCC’s primary goal is to ensure that international students can manage their need for supplementary income while maintaining high academic standards. By potentially increasing the allowable work hours, the government hopes to strike a balance that benefits both students and the broader community. Economic Impact: Addressing Labor Shortages Beyond the immediate benefits to students, the proposed change could also help address labor shortages in various low-wage industries across Canada. Many sectors, such as retail, hospitality, and food services, have been experiencing a significant shortage of workers. Allowing international students to work more hours could help fill these gaps, contributing to the overall economic recovery post-pandemic. A Look Ahead If the proposal is approved, it would mark a significant shift in Canada’s approach to international students’ work rights. The decision could set a precedent for future policies, emphasizing the importance of supporting international students who play a crucial role in Canada’s multicultural and dynamic society. Ottawa’s consideration to increase off-campus work hours for international students reflects a broader commitment to supporting the diverse and vibrant student community in Canada. By potentially allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week, the government aims to provide much-needed financial relief while also addressing labor shortages in key industries. This move, pending approval, could benefit nearly 297,000 international students, making their stay in Canada more manageable and enriching. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “Ottawa is considering increasing off-campus work hours for international students“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2024 Gunness & Associates

The Government of Canada is considering significant changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The proposed modifications aim to align PGWP eligibility with labor market demands, potentially limiting access to the program but enhancing employment outcomes for international students. Potential Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Eligibility Currently, the PGWP program is open to all international graduates from publicly funded programs in Canada, offering them the flexibility to work in any occupation without restrictions. However, the proposed changes could alter this landscape considerably. The government suggests linking PGWP eligibility to areas experiencing labor shortages. This adjustment is intended to direct skilled graduates into sectors where their expertise is most needed, thereby addressing specific labor market gaps. Aligning Education with Labor Market Needs Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is actively seeking feedback on these proposed changes to PGWP. The consultation focuses on which job categories should qualify for PGWP and whether certain groups of students should be exempt from the new criteria. This approach reflects a strategic effort to ensure that the influx of international talent supports the country’s economic needs more effectively. Job Offer Requirement and Language Proficiency Another significant proposal under consideration is the requirement for PGWP holders to secure a job offer within one year of obtaining their permit. This criterion aims to enhance job placement rates among international graduates and ensure that their skills are utilized promptly within the Canadian labor market. Additionally, the government is contemplating the introduction of other eligibility criteria, such as language proficiency standards, to further align with labor market needs. Impact on International Students These changes to PGWP could significantly impact international students planning to stay and work in Canada post-graduation. The government seeks to create a more targeted and efficient pathway for international graduates to transition into the Canadian workforce. While this might limit overall access to the PGWP program, it could lead to better employment outcomes for those who do qualify. The Canadian Government’s proposed changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program represent a strategic shift toward aligning international education with labor market demands. By potentially linking PGWP eligibility to areas of labor shortage and introducing new criteria such as job offers and language skills, the government aims to improve employment outcomes for international graduates while addressing critical labor market needs. Stakeholders are invited to share their perspectives to help shape the future of the PGWP program in Canada. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “The Government of Canada is considering changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2024 Gunness & Associates

From this fall, students can work 24 hours off-campus weekly. On April 29, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the temporary policy allowing students to work over 20 hours off campus weekly will end on April 30, 2024, without extension.  The decision to adjust the off-campus work policy comes after careful consideration of various factors, including feedback from stakeholders, comparative analysis with policies in other countries, and research on the impact of work opportunities on academic outcomes. Recognizing the importance of enabling international students to access employment opportunities while pursuing their studies, the new policy strikes a delicate balance to ensure students can focus on their educational pursuits without compromising their financial stability. Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, stated: “When comparing best practices and policies in other like-minded countries, most limit the number of working hours for international students. Canada’s rules must be aligned, or our programs will attract an increasing number of applicants whose primary intent is to work rather than study.” Under the revised regulations, international students will be able to engage in off-campus employment for up to 24 hours per week during the academic term. This enhancement provides students with increased flexibility to manage their finances and gain valuable work experience, contributing to their personal and professional development. Moreover, during scheduled academic breaks, such as winter and summer holidays, students will have the opportunity to work unlimited hours, further expanding their employment prospects and income potential. Find Out! If you’re eligible to study in Canada The decision to extend off-campus work hours aligns with Canada’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students. By enhancing opportunities for students to engage in part-time work, the government aims to facilitate smoother transitions into the Canadian labor market while also enriching the cultural and social fabric of local communities. Who can work 24 hours off-campus? Before you begin working, you and your employer must ensure that you are allowed to work off campus without a work permit. If you begin working off campus but do not meet the requirements, you may have to leave Canada. You can only start working in Canada once your study program has begun. You cannot work before beginning your studies. The conditions on your study permit will state whether or not you are permitted to work while studying. If you are eligible for off-campus work, you do not require a work permit. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “International students in Canada can now work 24 hours off-campus“ you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info   Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates

Large numbers of immigration applications are submitted overseas by unethical immigration consultants. In 2019, the government authorized a penalty system for violations in immigration and citizenship applications. However, fines have yet to be imposed as the system is not in force.  Delays in implementing the system are partly due to the pandemic, which is expected to be in place by winter 2025. Criticisms have been raised about the delay and the inability to monitor consultants practicing outside the country. The situation has led to increased malpractice and fraud, with many applicants falling victim to scams. The lack of enforcement and oversight has been heavily criticized, with calls for immediate action to rectify the situation. The federal government has come under fire for failing to implement measures promised five years ago to tackle unethical and fraudulent immigration consultants, with Conservatives demanding to know why a compliance regime is not yet in place. Last year, a group of international students applying for permanent residence were deported after it was discovered that an unlicensed “ghost” immigration consultant operating out of India had submitted fake acceptance letters to colleges along with their study permit applications. Get an assessment from a licensed immigration consultant.  Other licensed and unlicensed immigration consultants have been implicated in a jobs-for-sale scam, in which people hoping to work in Canada were illegally charged thousands of dollars to obtain a job reserved for an immigrant because no Canadian could be found for the position. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, 153 people were charged with fraud involving immigration consultants between May 1, 2019, and April 9, 2024. The vast majority of them were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, while 17 were foreign nationals, including one refugee. According to CBSA spokeswoman Jacqueline Roby, violators of Canada’s immigration laws face criminal charges, court fines, probation, or imprisonment. She stated that investigations primarily target the organizers of fraudulent schemes. They include scams such as charging exorbitant fees with the promise of a job offer in Canada, only to have the victim arrive and discover no job waiting for them. According to Ms. Roby, some illegal consultants collaborate with people attempting to enter Canada and submit fraudulent or misleading applications on purpose. Licensed immigration consultants in Canada have expressed concerns about unauthorized practitioners offering fraud advice. Some people have also expressed concern about non-Canadian consultants working outside of Canada. Join our RSS Feed    If you want to know more details about “IRCC is criticized for not curbing unethical immigration consultants” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at  Gunness & Associates.   Tel: (416) 604-2669  Email: info@test.immigrationmatters.info Gunness & Associates has helped thousands of people successfully immigrate to Canada with their families. Our skilled and experienced immigration experts have the expertise to accurately examine your case and advise you on the best method of proceeding to serve your needs.   For honest and straightforward advice, contact the experts at Gunness & Associates Get a free Assessment  Join our newsletter and get up-to-date immigration news Click here All rights reserved ©2023 Gunness & Associates