Canada new rules for student visa 2020

As of 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced new rules and changes to the student visa program. Here are some key updates:

New Requirements:

  1. Language proficiency: Students must demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency in English or French, as measured by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF).
    • For undergraduate programs: IELTS 6.0 or TEF 4.5
    • For graduate programs: IELTS 6.5 or TEF 5.0
  2. Proof of funds: Students must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies in Canada. The required amount is CAD 10,000 per year.
  3. Biometric data: Students may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints) as part of their application.
  4. Police certificates: Students may need to provide police certificates from their home country and any countries where they have lived for six months or more in the past five years.

Changes to the Application Process:

  1. Online application: Students can now submit their application online, which is faster and more convenient.
  2. Express Entry: The Express Entry system is now used to manage applications for student visas. This means that students can apply online and receive a decision within a few weeks.
  3. Biometric data collection: Biometric data is now collected at the time of application, rather than at the port of entry.

Other Changes:

  1. Study permit duration: The maximum duration of a study permit has been increased from 2 years to 3 years for undergraduate programs and from 3 years to 4 years for graduate programs.
  2. Work permits: Students can now work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during their studies, and full-time during breaks.
  3. Post-graduation work permits: The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program has been expanded to allow students to work in Canada for up to 3 years after completing their studies.

Important Notes:

  1. Application processing times: Processing times for student visa applications can vary depending on the country of origin and the complexity of the application.
  2. Visa requirements: Students should check the visa requirements for their country of origin and ensure they meet the necessary requirements before applying.
  3. Program-specific requirements: Some programs, such as those in Quebec, may have additional requirements or restrictions.

It's essential to check the official Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information on student visa requirements and application processes.