Canada immigration student visa news

Here are some recent updates and news related to Canada immigration student visas:

Recent Changes:

  1. New Student Visa Application Process: As of June 2022, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced a new online application process for student visas. The new process aims to reduce processing times and improve the overall experience for international students.
  2. Increased Study Duration: In June 2022, IRCC increased the maximum study duration for international students from 2 years to 3 years. This change applies to students studying at publicly-funded institutions in Canada.
  3. New Language Requirements: As of September 2022, IRCC has introduced new language requirements for international students. Students must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in English or French to be eligible for a student visa.

Recent News:

  1. Canada Welcomes Record Number of International Students: According to a recent report by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC), Canada welcomed a record 642,000 international students in 2021-2022, a 15% increase from the previous year.
  2. New Pilot Program for International Students: In August 2022, the Government of Canada launched a new pilot program aimed at attracting international students to study in Canada. The program offers a streamlined application process and a faster processing time for students who meet specific criteria.
  3. Canada's Student Visa Processing Times: According to IRCC's latest processing times, the average processing time for student visa applications is around 12-16 weeks. However, processing times may vary depending on the specific circumstances of each application.

Upcoming Changes:

  1. New Digital Identity Verification Process: IRCC plans to introduce a new digital identity verification process for international students in the coming months. The new process aims to reduce the need for in-person biometric data collection and improve the overall application experience.
  2. Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit: The Government of Canada is considering changes to the post-graduation work permit program, which allows international students to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their studies. The proposed changes aim to attract more international students to Canada and improve the overall experience for international students.

Tips and Reminders:

  1. Apply Early: International students are advised to apply for their student visa well in advance of their planned study start date to ensure sufficient processing time.
  2. Meet Language Requirements: International students must demonstrate a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 in English or French to be eligible for a student visa.
  3. Check Eligibility: International students should ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for a student visa, including having a valid acceptance letter from a designated learning institution in Canada.

I hope this information is helpful!