Canada ended the fast-track study visa programs under Student Direct Stream (SDS) and Nigeria Express Stream (NSE) on 8th November 2024. These programs enabled quicker processing of eligible post-secondary international students from 14 countries. Nigeria Student Express (NSE) was a similar application process for students in Nigeria. Eligible international students now need to apply through the general study permit stream to study in Canada.
Why Did Canada Stop the SDE and NSE Program?
Canada wants to provide all its students with a smooth and efficient academic experience. Putting an end to the Student Direct Stream and Nigeria Student Express Stream is one of the government measures to ensure that every student enjoys “fair and equal” access to the application process. It is a major step that helps stabilize the population of international students in Canada.
How does it impact foreign students?
SDS and NSE were launched in 2018 to provide fast-track application processing to international students from 14 countries including Brazil, Colombia, India, Philippines and Pakistan. Applications under these streams were processed within 20 business days.
Now all prospective students need to apply for the regular study permit which takes around 2 to 20 weeks to process applications outside Canada. The processing time can also vary depending on your application form’s completeness, seasonal fluctuations and your country of residence.
However, if you have submitted SDS or NSE applications before 2 pm ET on 8th November 2024, they will be processed within 20 days. Any other application submitted after 8th November 2024 will be processed through the regular study permit stream.
What key changes should international students expect?
SDS and NSE streams allowed eligible students to immigrate to Canada faster than the regular study permit process. You can still apply for a Canadian study permit but go through longer processing times.
Here are some key changes that come along with the end of NSE and SDS programs:
Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as a Financial Proof
A GIC was a mandatory financial requirement for SDS applicants. Though the stream has ended, eligible students can provide GIC as financial proof for the regular study permit application.
Study Permit Requirements Remain the Same
IRCC has set specific academic, financial and language proficiency standards for international students applying for the study permit. These requirements remain unchanged for all the countries included in SDS and NGE.
How Can Eligible Students Still Apply for Study Permits in Canada?
The processing time of current study permit applications will take longer than SDS and NGE streams. But, you can increase your chances of getting an invitation to apply using these tips.
Submit your applications through the regular study permit stream irrespective of your country of origin. Be familiar with all the selection criteria under this stream to get through the process efficiently.
Be ready with the necessary financial proofs like GIC.
Stay informed on policy changes for foreign students.
The Canadian Government adopts a unified approach to regulate the international student population in the country. Prospective students should educate themselves on the updated policies and meet application requirements completely. You can follow the government’s official website or consult with licensed immigration service providers like Onkar Immigration.
The goal of any immigration is to respond to the country’s needs. Canada is no exception. The Canadian Government launched a wide slew of programs to let candidates who are eligible to contribute to the economy settle in the country. As of 2024, the economy has evolved in Canada and so has the need for newcomers from across the world. Thus, Canada is all set to strengthen temporary residence programs to support the current economic needs and labour market shortages.
IRCC Reduces Temporary Resident Arrivals
Canada announced that they would reduce the number of temporary residents arriving to 5% from 6.5% of their total population in the next three years. The announcement was made in March 2024.
Some measures to manage an optimum number of temporary residents:
Reforms on the International Student Program
The government set an intake cap on international student permit applications.
A letter of acceptance verification system has been introduced.
The financial requirements for applicants have also increased.
Stricter Eligibility Requirements for Temporary Foreign Workers
LMIAs for low-wage occupation categories will be valid for one year and confined to specific regions in Canada with high unemployment rates. Employers cannot hire more than 10% of their total workforce through the Temporary Work Permit Programs.
More Thorough LMIA Processing
The processing of LMIA applications got more rigorous from 26th September 2024. For instance, the Government will no longer approve LMIAs in the low-wage categories from specific regions. It is applicable in census metropolitan areas where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher.
This plan to reduce the number of temporary residents in 2024 is an informed response to the labour and economic needs of the country. This is applicable to temporary foreign workers and international students.
How Canada Plans to Manage the Number of Temporary Resident Arrivals?
Canada has always been keen on welcoming newcomers from all around the world. But, it needs to change its immigration policies according to the ongoing labour market needs.
The government has announced a further reduction in the intake cap on international study permit applications for 2025. They would reduce 10% of the 485,000 permits issued in 2024 and stabilize the intake cap for 2026. So, the number of study permits to be issued in 2025 would be 437,000.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) will be updated to align with the current labour market needs and economic goals of the country.
Canada may restrict work permit eligibility for spouses of master's degree students whose academic programs are at least 16 months long.
Canada may also restrict work permit eligibility for spouses of foreign workers who belong to management occupations or in sectors with labour gaps.
The government wants to make sure the arrival of temporary residents does not affect the ones already living in the country. They made some additional changes to the temporary resident programs to ensure that the temporary residents eligible are supported adequately in the country.
How Does The Government Improve In-Canada Asylum System?
The number of asylum claims has increased with the increase in the number of displaced people all over the world. The displaced individuals may want to seek asylum in Canada for a specific period and hence contribute to the temporary resident volumes.
The Canadian Government is working on measures as mentioned below to improve the asylum system inside the country and help those in need.
Partial visa requirements for Mexican nationals
Exploring stringent measures to strengthen visa integrity
Making the system of processing asylum claims better
Reducing the number of non-genuine or ineligible visitors
The United States and Canada introduced an Additional Protocol to the Safe Third Country Agreement in March 2023. This ensured that only the most eligible individuals could be allowed to enter and live in the country.
Final Thoughts,
The refurbished immigration system confuses newcomers. But, it is also necessary for the country to keep upgrading its immigration policies and realign with the current economic and labour gaps. The significant reduction in temporary resident arrivals and restrictions on international student permit applications are all measures to streamline the Canadian immigration system and respond to the changing needs of the country better. You can get help from licensed immigration firms such as Onkar Immigration to keep yourself up-to-date with all norms and immigrate successfully.
IRCC announced that international students can work up to 24 hours a week off-campus. The temporary rule allowed the students to work more than 20 hours. It ended on 30th April 2024. This measure intends to allow students to focus primarily on their studies. The flexible work limits also, however, give them the option to work if necessary without compromising academics.
How Does the Change Impact Working International Students?
International students can no longer work for more than 20 hours or more per week off campus as was stated in the temporary policy. As per the latest news release by IRCC, eligible students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus.
This change of working hours ensures that the students get enough time to do their studies. However, you can continue working unlimited hours if you are on a scheduled academic break.
Why was the Change Important?
The government analyzed existing policies in other countries and the needs of students. Recent studies in the US and Canada showed how academic performances are affected when students work for more than 28 hours a week. Working for over 24 hours a week made the students more likely to drop out of the program.
According to their research, students’ academic grades go down as they continue working while studying. The less they work during this time, the better their results will be.
How Can International Students Work in Canada?
You can work in Canada as an international student if you have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution. Working while studying gives you the chance to gain valuable Canadian work experience. You can work for up to 3 years after graduation if eligible.
You need a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) to be eligible for work in Canada.
Are you eligible for PGWP?
The eligibility criteria for PGWP are as follows:
You should have a valid study permit.
You should have completed a study program from a designated learning institution.
The program should lead to a diploma, certificate or degree and be at least 8 months long.
You have maintained your status as a ‘full-time’ student every semester of your study program.
You should graduate from either of the following:
Public post-secondary school
A private post-secondary school such as in Quebec follows the same policies as public schools in Quebec
Canadian private schools are eligible to award degrees under provincial law.
Private secondary and post-secondary Quebec schools with qualifying programs for over 900 hours.
You can apply for a work permit from overseas or inside Canada as long as you are eligible. However, you need to change your status to a ‘visitor’ if your study permit expires before you apply for the PGWP.
The entire processing of PGWP applications is quite daunting. Also, the frequent change of policies makes it more challenging. You can get help from immigration consultants like the ones at Onkar Immigration. From assessing your eligibility to processing the PGWP application, they can guide you through the entire process.
The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) allows Alberta to nominate eligible candidates for permanent residence (PR). Skilled entrepreneurs, students and workers can get PR in Canada if their occupation is in demand. All you have to do is meet the specific criteria of the program and you will be a step closer to becoming a permanent resident in Alberta.
The government has been making significant changes to the program since 2020. August 2024 is no exception. You should stay aware of the updates if you want to attain your PR through this program. This blog discusses all updates done to AAIP in August 2024. Let’s begin.
2-year open work permit from IRCC
(Temporary measure) (26th August, 2024)
Who is it for?
Alberta Opportunity Stream and Rural Renewal Stream nominee applicants
What is this update all about?
The government announced a temporary public policy through which specific candidates from the above streams will be eligible to seek a maximum 2-year, open work permit from IRCC. You cannot apply for this policy separately. The AAIP sends you a letter of support if they determine you are eligible. The letter of support enables the selected candidate to seek a 2-year extension on an existing work permit.
What is the eligibility criteria?
The above-mentioned candidates should meet the following criteria:
● You are waiting for the processing of your application to be completed as of 26th August 2024.
● You had a legit work permit with expiry dates from 7th May and 31st December 2024, at the time of application
● Your application was declined between 7th May and 26th August 2024 because your work permit expired in 2024.
You do not become eligible for this program update if your work permits expired. In that case, you need to show that the permit has maintained its status during the processing of your application. You can also determine your eligibility to restore the temporary resident status to receive the letter of support.
How does it benefit eligible candidates?
Eligible candidates can receive an open work permit valid for a maximum of 2 years. The added ‘two years’ allow the applicants to maintain their eligibility for PR and work at the same time. The nominee applicants will be able to enjoy their extended employment. However, their eligibility for a nomination will remain unknown until 2025.
The new temporary policy will help AAIP make significant decisions about work permits with specific expiration dates. Examples include work permits with expiry dates between 1st January 2024 and 6th May 2024 along with work permits that are expiring in early 2025.
Open work permit for those affected by Alberta wildfires
The government has brought forth this temporary special measure for those directly affected by recent wildfires. The AAIP will accept work permits that IRCC issued under the Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if the wildfires prevent you from working for your current employer and hence you need to convert the employer-specific work permit to an open work permit. In that case, AAIP will accept the work permit between 19th July 2024 and 30th November 2024.
The work permit requirements are not available in Rural Renewal or Express Entry streams. The Alberta Opportunity and Tourism and Hospitality Streams, however, can accept the work permit under these special measures.
A new expression of interest system
The AAIP will launch a new expression of interest system (EOI) on 30th September 2024. This update marks a significant shift from the previous monthly application process. The new system will allow continuous intake of EOIs. That means the eligible candidates can express their interest at any time instead of following specific application dates.
The new system puts candidates in a selection pool. IRCC will rank each candidate on the basis of skills, work experience and their potential to meet the labour market needs of Alberta. Applicants with the highest rankings will get the invitation to apply for permanent residence. This update will make the immigration process to Alberta simpler and more efficient.
Final Thoughts,
The AAIP is a popular economic immigration program in the Canadian province of Alberta. Whether you want to set a business up in Alberta or work as a foreign national here, this program is the way to go. If you fit the eligibility criteria, the AAIP can further nominate individuals for permanent residence in Alberta. You can gather updated information about AAIP changes from experienced consultants at reputed immigration firms such as Onkar Immigration. They can assess your eligibility criteria and process the applications hassle-free.
Most employers in Canada need an LMIA to hire a temporary foreign worker. An LMIA is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), which assesses the impact of hiring foreign workers in the country. The document ensures that you need a temporary foreign worker to fill that specific position in your firm. The Canadian Government brings forth important updates in 2024 for employers with LMIA and an interest in hiring foreign temporary workers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Reducing the number of foreign workers in Canada
The TFW or Temporary Foreign Worker Program is meant to hire foreign nationals only when no Canadian or permanent resident is eligible for the position. Minister Boissonnault, however, announced that they were planning to reduce the dependence of employers on this program.
The following changes will be implemented from 26th September 2024 to the low-wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program.
The Canadian Government will no longer process LMIAs in the low-wage stream in specific areas. It will be applicable in census metropolitan areas which has an unemployment rate of 6% or more.
Exceptions include seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security, construction and healthcare sectors.
Canadian employers can hire only 10% of their total workforce under the TFW program. This will be applied to the Low-Wage stream.
Exceptions include seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security, construction and healthcare sectors.
Temporary workers hired through the Low-Wage stream can work for a maximum of one year.
These tight measures ensure that Canadian employers invest in the workers available in the country. They should also focus on upskilling to help the employees adapt to the economy of the future.
Refusing LMIA Applications for low-wage positions in Montreal
LMIA applications that were submitted between 3rd September 2024 and 3rd March 2025 will not be processed. The Government has refused to process certain LMIA applications, such as:
Jobs with a wage below the median hourly wage of $27.47 in Quebec
Jobs that have a work location in the economic region of Montreal
Exceptions
LMIA applications for specific in-home caregiver positions in sectors such as construction, education, construction and others are exempted from the above rule.
Managing impacts of hazardous weather
You should meet the following requirements if your business cannot operate due to the weather:
Issue ROEs to help TFWs apply for Employment Insurance benefits.
Inform the Employer Contact Centre of any changes to the LMIA (for example- layoffs)
Canadian employers need to meet program obligations if they or their workers are affected by hazardous weather conditions. Employers should contact their respective regional processing centres in the case of any unreachable TFWs.
Do you need an LMIA?
The government is getting stricter with LMIA applications. As an employer, you should be aware of your duties and responsibilities related to the LMIA. You should have a clear idea about which type of application to submit to hire eligible foreign national candidates. Getting an LMIA is quite a daunting task. You can get thorough guidance from immigration consultants such as the ones at Onkar Immigration. They are licensed professionals who can help you through the LMIA process till the end.
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