On December 7, 2023, Ottawa announced that Canada continues to be a choice for students due to its prestigious educational institutions, diverse culture, and post-graduation opportunities. However, there are still some challenges that international students face in finding housing during their studies in Canada.
To address this issue, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, has introduced a change to the financial requirement for study permit applicants. Starting January 1, 2024, the cost of living requirement will be adjusted based on Statistics Canada’s income cutoff (LICO) updates. This adjustment ensures that applicants have the resources to support themselves while living in Canada.
From 2024 onwards, a single applicant will need to demonstrate a capability of $20,635 (to 75% of LICO) along with covering first-year tuition fees and travel expenses. This new requirement applies to applications received on or after January 1st.
Recognizing the impact these changes may have on students’ experiences in Canada, collaborative initiatives with various partners are planned for 2024. These initiatives aim to explore ways of supporting groups of international students.
Furthermore, the emphasis is placed on accrediting institutions that provide services and support for their students. Institutions are strongly encouraged to admit those students whom they can adequately support throughout their journey to Canada.
Looking ahead to the semester in September 2024, the government might consider implementing measures that could potentially restrict visas to guarantee that educational institutions provide sufficient support for students. It is important to collaborate with governments, institutions, and stakeholders to ensure the success of students.
Recognizing international students’ contributions, these adjustments aim to address vulnerabilities and enhance the International Student Program’s integrity. The cost-of-living revision aims to provide arriving students with a stronger financial foundation for their Canadian academic journey.
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