Canada's New Rules for Students, Caregivers, Work Visas & Super Visas

Canada is implementing significant changes to its visa policies, affecting work permits, study permits, and residency programs. These updates are part of the country’s broader strategy to address labor shortages, streamline immigration processes, and support economic growth. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the recent updates:

1. Study Permit Restrictions:

As of July 2024, international students in Canada will face new regulations regarding their study permits. Under the new rules, students must apply for a new study permit whenever they change educational institutions. This requirement aims to ensure that students maintain proper authorization for their studies and prevent misuse of study permits. Students must secure their new study permit before starting their new program, helping to better manage student enrollment and compliance with immigration regulations.

2. Extended Work Visas for Israeli Nationals:

In response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Canada has extended its work visa options for Israeli nationals. Initially set to expire in June 2024, this extension will now last until July 31, 2025. This measure allows Israelis to apply for work visas amid the crisis, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to supporting international partners and responding to global situations impacting its immigration policies.

3. End of Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) at Port of Entry:

Starting in June 2024, Canada has introduced a significant policy change by ending the practice of applying for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs) at the border. This policy, known as "flagpoling," involved temporary residents leaving and re-entering Canada to expedite their permit applications. The new policy aims to curb this practice and ensure that work permits are processed through regular channels, reducing potential abuses and improving the efficiency of the immigration system.

4. Immediate Permanent Residency for Foreign Caregivers:

In a move to address the growing demand for caregiving services, Canada has introduced two new pilot programs that grant immediate permanent residency to qualified foreign caregivers upon arrival. These programs simplify the process for caregivers to secure both employment and residency status, helping to alleviate labor shortages in the caregiving sector and support families in need of care services.

5. Super Visas for Parents and Grandparents:

The Canadian government is actively issuing Super Visas to approximately 35,700 sponsors who applied to bring their parents or grandparents to Canada. The distribution of these visas began on May 21, 2024. This initiative supports family reunification by allowing Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents, facilitating their permanent residency and helping families stay together.

6. Reduced Wait Times for Start-Up and Self-Employed Visas:

Canada has implemented changes to reduce processing times for start-up and self-employed visas, effective April 30, 2024. These updates are designed to address the backlog of applications and make it easier for innovative entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals to immigrate. By streamlining the application process, Canada aims to attract more talent and support the growth of new businesses and ventures.

7. Increased Work Hours for International Students:

Beginning September 2024, international students in Canada will be allowed to work off-campus for up to 24 hours per week, an increase from the previous 20-hour limit. This change is intended to support the Canadian economy, which has been impacted by labor shortages, and provide students with more opportunities to gain work experience and contribute to the workforce while studying.

These updates reflect Canada’s commitment to enhancing its immigration system, addressing labor market needs, and supporting both new and existing residents. They align with the 2023-2025 Immigration Levels Plan, which aims to admit approximately 550,000 new permanent residents by 2025, reinforcing Canada’s role as a welcoming destination for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and families.