What Are the New Changes to Canada Study Permits and PGWP Eligibility?
Starting from May 15, international students graduating from Canadian college programs delivered through public-private curriculum licensing arrangements will face a significant shift. These graduates will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs). This policy change is part of a broader strategy to control the number of students remaining in Canada for employment post-studies. The new regulation impacts an estimated 10,000 students, primarily from Gujarat, and comes alongside a cap of 364,000 on the total number of study permits.
How Does This Affect International Students from Gujarat?
Gujarat contributes a substantial number of students to Canada’s international student population. Traditionally, around 35,000-40,000 students from Gujarat travel to Canada for higher education each year, forming a critical part of what is often described as one of the largest student pools from a single Indian state in Canada. According to the new policy, only an estimated 22,000 students from Gujarat might be able to pursue education in Canada for the September intake.
Most students from Gujarat opt to work while studying in Canada to pay off their education loans. However, the new permit limits and changes in PGWP eligibility are poised to halve the number of students from Gujarat this intake, significantly affecting their employment and permanent residence prospects.
What Does This Mean for Future Employment and Permanent Residence?
Upinder Singh Bedi, a Canada-based immigration lawyer, highlighted that “the entire exercise by the Canadian government since the start of the year is aimed at restricting the number of international students coming in.” He further noted that the focus would shift more towards favoring students in skilled workforce categories and those enrolling in niche educational fields such as STEM and medical courses.
With the usual 60% success rate of visa issuance likely to dip this year, international students, especially those from populous provinces, will need to recalibrate their expectations and strategies.
What Challenges Are Gujarati Students Facing in Canada?
The transition to life in Canada hasn’t been smooth for many of these students. Smita Nayak, a 34-year-old student from Gujarat, shared her challenges regarding language barriers and employment difficulties:
“Right at the start of my Canadian journey, I was encountered by several students who were not proficient in English. Many here do not like the employees to talk in their native language. You will find students everywhere – from malls to convenience stores, and eateries to restaurants. For one job, there could be more than 50 applications, thus many are putting up with longer working hours and lesser wages.”
Additionally, the Gujarati student community often reaches out and forms support systems, trying to help each other navigate through these changing times. However, new students face a housing crisis, mid-level students struggle with rising living costs, and those nearing graduation worry about their bleak chances at permanent residency.
How Are Student Preferences Shifting in Terms of Location?
Kirtan Jani, an immigration counsellor in New Brunswick, observed a change in the student distribution pattern, with more students now considering less populated provinces. Initially, the preference was for cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver, which have thriving Indian communities and reputed colleges. However, the imposed cap might lead students to consider regions like Atlantic Canada or eastern provinces such as New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Nova Scotia.
What Should Prospective Students Do?
Both experts and current students emphasize the importance of thorough research before deciding to study in Canada. Understanding the laws related to studies and work is crucial. Sanket Patel, an engineering student in Victoria, advises:
“Read as much as you can, understand the laws related to studies and work, and try to create a peer group before and after you come.”
For more detailed guidelines on the changes visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Conclusion
These new policies and caps are transforming the landscape for International Students in Canada, particularly affecting those from populous states like Gujarat. While the changes pose significant challenges, they also encourage students to explore new regions and diversify their educational and professional experiences in Canada. As always, being well-informed and prepared is key to navigating these changes successfully.
Learn Today:
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
- Definition: A PGWP is a type of work permit that allows international students who have graduated from eligible Canadian educational institutions to work in Canada after completing their studies. The permit is issued for a duration corresponding to the length of the completed program, up to a maximum of three years. However, recent changes in eligibility criteria have restricted this permit for graduates from certain programs.
- Study Permits:
- Definition: Study permits are documents issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allow international students to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. The study permit outlines conditions such as the level of study, institution, and length of authorized stay in Canada. The recent policy changes include capping the total number of study permits that can be issued.
- Skilled Workforce Categories:
- Definition: Skilled workforce categories refer to occupations that demand specialized skills, training, or education. In the context of Canadian immigration, the government may prioritize applicants in these categories for immigration programs as they contribute to the skilled labor market needs of the country. The focus on favoring students in skilled workforce categories implies a shift in immigration policy towards attracting individuals with high-demand skills.
- Permanent Residency:
- Definition: Permanent residency is an immigration status that allows individuals to live, work, and study in a specific country indefinitely. In the case of Canada, permanent residents have most of the rights enjoyed by citizens, such as access to social benefits and healthcare. The changes in study permits and PGWP eligibility can impact the prospects of international students in pursuing permanent residency in Canada.
- Niche Educational Fields:
- Definition: Niche educational fields encompass specialized or unique areas of study that cater to specific industries or sectors. Examples include STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and medical courses. By enrolling in niche educational fields, international students may improve their chances of obtaining work permits or permanent residency in Canada due to the high demand for professionals in these sectors.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Canada’s study permit and PGWP changes impact graduates of certain programs, reducing post-study work permits. Gujarat, a major student source, might see student numbers halved. Future permanent residency chances could dwindle, favoring skilled workforce entrants. Shifts in student preferences to less-populated provinces are noted. Prospective students are advised thorough research and preparation.
— By VisaVerge.com
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