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Tag Archives: canada

March 4, 2024

Introduction

The landscape of international education is undergoing a seismic shift, with new policies in Canada, Australia, and the UK reshaping the preferences of prospective students. This article delves into the recent research findings, shedding light on the significant impact of restrictive policies on student interest and how the United States is emerging as a preferred alternative.

1. The Current Scenario

Recent studies, such as IDP’s “The Voice of the International Student,” conducted across 67 countries, reveal a noteworthy decline in interest among students planning to study in Canada, Australia, and the UK. This shift is notably benefiting the United States, which is gaining traction in terms of student interest.

2. Studyportals Research

A study by Studyportals further substantiates these findings, specifically highlighting a dramatic dip in prospective student demand for Canada. Conversely, interest in the United States has witnessed a significant surge in 2023. The allure of Italy has also increased, while the Netherlands faces potential decline due to its intention to reduce international student numbers.

3. Reconsidering Plans

IDP’s survey indicates that nearly half of prospective students (49%) are reconsidering or uncertain about studying in the UK, while significant proportions are hesitating regarding Australia (47%) and Canada (43%). The CEO of IDP Connect, Simon Emmett, underscores that students are acutely aware of policy changes and how these impact their study abroad decisions.

4. Changing Dynamics

Emmett emphasizes the importance of certainty for international students, expressing concern that changing policies in the UK, Canada, and Australia create uncertainty and negatively influence students’ decisions about their preferred study locations. The new policies align with these countries’ efforts to actively control immigration.

5. Shift in Interest

Until the end of 2023, Canada and Australia experienced a rise in international student numbers, while the UK witnessed a shift in its disposition towards higher international enrollments. The Studyportals research points out a decline in student interest in Canada, particularly in British Columbia.

6. Impact on Canadian Institutions

Studyportals data indicates a decline in demand from key source countries, especially India (-40% between February 2023 and January 2024). The two-year cap on new international student permits is expected to affect Canadian undergraduate programs the most, while master’s and Ph.D. programs may escape the negative fallout.

7. Communication is Key

Kim Loeb, Executive Director at the University of Winnipeg, underscores the need for effective communication amid these changes. Canadian institutions must send a clear message that they remain open to international students, despite the policy adjustments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolving international education landscape influenced by policy changes in Canada, Australia, and the UK has not only impacted student preferences but has also presented challenges for institutions. The United States seems to be gaining ground as a favored study destination, prompting a need for adaptability and effective communication in response to shifting dynamics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are international education policies impacting student choices?

The policies in Canada, Australia, and the UK are causing students to reconsider their study abroad plans, with the US emerging as an alternative.

  • What is the role of communication in this scenario?

Effective communication from institutions is crucial to assure students of their openness to international candidates despite policy changes.

  • Which countries are witnessing a decline in student interest?

Canada, Australia, and the UK are experiencing a decline, while the US, Italy, and the Netherlands are gaining popularity.

  • How is Canada’s undergraduate sector affected by new policies?

The two-year cap on international student permits is expected to impact Canadian undergraduate programs more than master’s and Ph.D. programs.

  • What is the significance of policy changes in the UK, Canada, and Australia?

These changes align with the countries’ active efforts to control immigration and regulate international education more effectively.

January 30, 2024

Introduction

In a significant announcement, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that Canada will implement a temporary, two-year cap on the issuance of new study permits to international students. This measure, effective for 2024 and 2025, aims to address concerns related to the quality of education and integrity within the student visa program.

Reason Behind the Cap

Minister Miller, speaking in Montréal on 22 January, emphasized the need to guarantee a high-quality education for incoming international students. The government’s decision is driven by the desire to prevent under-resourced institutions from taking advantage of students and charging exorbitant tuition fees.

Cap Details: A 35% Reduction and Provincial Allocations

The temporary cap is expected to result in a 35% reduction in new study permits issued in 2024 compared to the previous year. Allocations will be based on provincial populations, with some provinces facing more substantial reductions than others.

Exemptions and Impact on Different Levels of Study

The cap will not apply to graduate-level programs, including master’s and doctoral studies, ensuring that high-level education remains unaffected. Additionally, elementary and secondary school level study permit applications are exempt. However, questions arise about the actual reduction percentage considering these exemptions.

Additional Requirements: Provincial Attestation and Application Process

To strengthen the application process, applicants must provide a provincial attestation along with their study permit application, effective immediately. Provinces and territories are expected to establish this process by March 31, 2024, enhancing the overall transparency and accountability of the system.

Continuity for Existing Students: No Impact on Continuing Students

Reassuringly, Minister Miller clarified that the cap will not affect applicants within Canada looking to extend their studies. Continuing students and current study permit holders in Canada will not be subject to the cap, ensuring fairness and program continuity.

Changes in Work Eligibility:

  • Post-Graduate Work Permits and Open Work Permits for Spouses

Effective from September 1, 2024, post-graduate work permits will no longer be available for students in public-private partnership programs. Simultaneously, open work permits will only be allowed for spouses of international students in master’s, doctoral, and professional programs, such as medicine and law.

  • Expanding Post-Study Work Rights for Graduates

Acknowledging the limitations of the current criteria, the government plans to expand post-study work rights for graduate students. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit, facilitating a smoother transition to permanent residence.

Conclusion

Canada’s two-year cap on study permits reflects a commitment to ensuring the quality of education for international students. While uncertainties and concerns persist, the government’s proactive measures aim to strike a balance between controlling influx and providing opportunities for genuine academic pursuits.

(FAQs)

Q: How will the cap impact existing international students in Canada?

A: The cap will not affect existing students or those looking to extend their studies within Canada.

Q: Are all provinces subject to the same percentage reduction under the cap?

A: No, allocations will be based on provincial populations, resulting in varying percentage reductions.

Q: Will the cap apply to graduate-level programs?

A: No, the cap exempts graduate-level programs, including master’s and doctoral studies.

Q: How will the government ensure transparency in the application process?

A: Applicants must now provide a provincial attestation along with their study permit application, enhancing transparency.

Q: What changes are expected in work permits for spouses of international students?

A: Open work permits will only be available to spouses of students in master’s, doctoral, and professional programs, limiting eligibility for other levels of study.

January 16, 2024

Introduction

Canada, which is home to almost 500,000 international students, is renowned for providing globally acclaimed degrees at reasonable tuition costs and excellent educational opportunities. When you combine it with a great standard of living, a plethora of post-study employment options, and immigration advantages, Canada becomes clear why so many Indian students choose to study there.

Student Visa requirements for CanadaIn Canada a student visa is often referred to as a ‘study permit’.

In Canada a student visa is often referred to as a ‘study permit’. is important that you make sure you have the correct study permit for your international studies before you leave for Canada.

Before requesting a student visa, foreign students who wish to continue their education in Canada must be admitted. 

The procedure to gain entry is as follows:

  • Select the school and programme.
  • Completing and submitting the online application to the selected college or institution
  • Get the education provider’s approval letter.
  • Obtain an electronic enrollment confirmation (eCOE).
  • Request a Student Visa

You are welcome to study in Canada if you

  • Registered with a DLI
  • Demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while in Canada, your tuition fees.
  • Take a medical examination.

Use the Student Direct Stream to obtain your study permit more quickly.

If you’re a legal resident in certain countries, you may be able to get your study permit faster by applying online through Student Direct Stream (SDS).

Cost to study in Canada

The amount of tuition you pay will vary based on the kind of degree and school you choose. You will require between CAD 13,000 to CAD 35,000 annually to cover this. 

Courses in the humanities, education, and arts are typically slightly more expensive than those in fields like engineering and medicine. The cost of tuition varies depending on the programme and is usually greater if you want to pursue postgraduate studies. MBA programmes are frequently the most expensive, as they are in most other nations. These programmes typically cost between CAD 30,000 and $42,000. 

Study Program Average Annual Fee
1-Undergraduate Program$13,000 to $20,000
2-Postgraduate Program$17,000 to $25,000
3-Doctoral Degree$7,000 to $15,000
4-Master of Business Administration $30,000 to $40,000

Intakes in Canada

Three intakes are offered by Canadian colleges and universities, as opposed to just one in Indian universities. Admissions may also be referred to as a semester in certain universities. In Canada, the three intakes that are available are:

  1. Fall: A well-liked semester for Indian students, September marks the beginning of the Autumn intake.
  1. Winter: Begins in January; it’s preferable to skip the September intake.
  1. Summer: The summer admission typically begins in April or May and is available for a select few programmes and colleges.  

Best Courses to study in Canada

The following are well-liked courses that you can select from to study in Canada: 

Computer science

  • Business
  • Engineering
  • Health sciences
  • Physiotherapy
  • Information technology
  • Animation and gaming 
  • Hospitality

Job Prospects in Canada

While studying, international students in Canada are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week, and during summer and winter breaks, they are permitted to work 40 hours per week. Students now have the choice of how to budget their money while studying in Canada and get experience that will help them advance in their careers.

But in order to seek these positions, students must also acquire the appropriate study permit. When students graduate from college, there are many different career options in Canada.

  1. Working on campus
  2. Working away from campus
  3. Cooperative assignments
  4. Jobs for interns

Conclusion 

Canada’s great academic institutions, friendly and diverse culture, and high standard of living make it a popular study destination for international students. Canada, which is well-known for its academic brilliance, provides students with many options to pursue their academic and professional objectives.

July 20, 2023

Short on time? Here are the highlights:

  • The Canadian government has opened a new programme to grant work permits to H-1B visa holder in the US
  • However, the programme was capped at 10,000 applications and that limit was reached within the first 48 hours after opening

A recent report from public policy advocacy group FWD.us provides a concise summary of the current situation for foreign graduates hoping to remain in the US to work:

“The United States has come to rely on the temporary H-1B work visa as its main—and sometimes only—high-skilled immigration policy tool…This over-reliance on the H-1B visa program creates choke points in our talent pipeline where skilled individuals either cannot move forward or simply choose to leave. Since 1997, the full H-1B visa cap has been exhausted every year prior to the end of the fiscal year…Simply put, there is a profoundly higher demand for these skilled workers than the current law is able to supply.”

In a surprising twist, the Canadian government moved to take advantage of that demand-supply gap earlier this month when it opened a new work permit pathway for H-1B visa holders.

The H-1B visa holder work permit is “meant to keep highly skilled workers in North America”, and is open to anyone with a valid H-1B visa already living in the US.

The new programme provides successful applicants with an open work permit for up to three years.

An accompanying government statement explains that, “If your passport expires in less than three years, your work permit will expire at the same time as your passport. You can’t get an extension under this initiative, but you may be able to get one under another programme.”

At the time it was first announced, the H-1B visa holder work permit was introduced as a temporary policy that would be in place for one year, or until 10,000 applications were received (whichever came first).

In a rather vivid illustration of the pent-up demand for work visas in the US, that 10,000-application threshold was reached in the first 48 hours after the programme launched.

“This rapid uptake underscores the high demand among U.S. H-1B visa holders for the opportunity to work and live in Canada,” reported The Hindustan Times. “The popularity of the Open Work Permit stream became evident when it reached its maximum capacity within an astonishingly short timeframe.”

As a result, the H-1B visa holder work permit programme is now closed to further applications for the time being. However, the programme has a somewhat experimental, or even “pilot programme”, feel to it. And no doubt policy makers in both Canada and the US, to say nothing of foreign graduates and employers, will be thinking carefully about any other such interactions between Canadian and American visa policy going forward.