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From November 1, 2024, Canada has introduced major changes in work permit rules for international students, foreign workers and permanent residents. As per the Immigration Levels Plan, new regulations have been introduced like the introduction of a language proficiency requirement for applicants to postgraduate work permit courses. These changes are expected to reduce the number of post-graduation work permits to approximately 175,000 over the next three years. In addition, the number of temporary residents is expected to be reduced from 6.5% of the total population to 5%. Spousal work permits are also expected to reduce to 100,000 as limited work permits will be granted to spouses of highly skilled, specialized workers and workers in industries facing key shortage of labour.
In September 2024, the Canadian government had announced a further reduction of international students to manage the volume of temporary resident arrivals. As per IRCC, study permits in 2025 will be reduced by 10% from the 2024 target of 485,000. The study permits to be issued in 2026 will remain the same as 2025.
Canada has announced a new LMIA-exempt work permit under the Innovation Stream of the International Mobility Program (IMP). This initiative targets skilled foreign workers who receive job offers from eight selected tech companies participating in the Global Hypergrowth Project. Launched in 2023, the Innovation Stream is one of the pillars of the Tech Talent Strategy to attract skilled talent to help Canada grow as a global tech leader.
In September last year, ApplyBoard projected in a report that 231,000 study permits will be granted for 2024.. This is a sharp decline from 2023 when 436,000 study permits were issued- a nearly 50% decline! The report also predicted a 39% decrease in global applications for study permits compared to the previous year. Applications for postgraduate programs have also shown a decline, with only 114,000 study permits being approved--a decline of 48% compared to the previous year. In terms of Indian Students, it is expected that study permit approvals are likely to decline by up to 50%. This trend was seen in the first half of 2024.
Pressure on the government to reduce the number of temporary residents has resulted in Canada seeing a sharp rise in the number of immigrants being refused entry, with 5,853 foreign travelers (students, workers and tourists) being denied entry in July 2024. This is the highest rejection rate since January 2019. Between January and July 2024, Canada turned away an average of 3,727 foreign travelers every month, a 20% increase compared to 2023. The government has also reduced the number of visas available to foreign nationals.
The Canada Express Entry Year-end Fact Sheet 2023 which was unveiled in September 2024 reveals the top five most common occupations and top provinces for immigration. The top five most common occupations for 2023 were software engineers and designers, software developers and programmers, and information systems specialists. In terms of category-based selection in 2023, the following occupations received invitations in 2023:
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Healthcare occupations
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Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
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Trade Occupations
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Transport Occupations
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Agriculture and agri-food occupations
In 2023, IRCC also improved the access for physicians to access permanent residence through the Express Entry system by removing barriers that were faced by them due to the "fee-for-service" model.
In 2023, Ontario remained the most popular province for applicants followed by British Columbia and Alberta.
Canada has revamped the Express Entry program with more emphasis on Canadian Experience Candidates and Provincial Nominee Program draws and fewer general category draws. The CEC draw focuses on skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. These candidates would already be residing in Canada. This move is expected to reduce the inflow of new immigrants and reduce pressure on health care and housing.
Canada had announced last year that temporary residents on visitor visas will no longer be allowed to apply for work permits from within the country. This ended a policy which was introduced in August 2020 to help visitors stranded in Canada due to the COVID-19 border closures. This policy was due to expire on February 28, 2025 but was ended six months earlier to manage the number of temporary residents. There was also a concern about misuse of the policy.
STUDY IN CANADA
CURRENT STATISTICS
According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, there were 997,820 international students enrolled in study programs across Canada in 2024. This is a 4% decline compared to 2023. The effect of the cap on study permits will be reflected in the 2025 figures. Out of this, India makes up 39% of all international students studying in Canada. The countries which have shown a considerable decline in international students are India (-32%), Nigeria (-29%) and Philippines (-27%).
In terms of location, Ontario attracts the maximum number of international students with 482,435 students (49%) followed by British Columbia with 203,965 (21%) students.
This report also stressed that 70% of international students plan to apply for a Post Graduation Work Permit while 57% students plan to apply for permanent residency. Aside from providing a world-class education, Canada offers students an opportunity to work for up to three years after completing their course and a fast-track to becoming a permanent resident of the country.
THE BENEFITS OF STUDYING IN CANADA
Affordable Cost of Studies
Choice of World-Class Universities
Multi-cultural Environment
High Standard of Living
Opportunities for work experience
Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canadian Universities offer some of the lowest tuition fees for international students. With affordable cost of living in many cities across the country, it is no wonder that Canada is a top choice for many international students. Other reasons for choosing Canada include the fact that it is considered a safe and stable country, it has a strong reputation for quality education and a society that is generally tolerant and non-discriminatory. Canada also offers the opportunity for students to gain work experience for up to 3 years after graduating.
Our career counselors are at hand to guide you on the various options available in terms of Universities and Colleges in Canada based on your course preference, budget and locational preference.
Selecting the Institute
DESIGNATED LEARNING INSTITUTES
While all primary and secondary schools are Designated Learning Institutes (DLI), all post-secondary institutes are not DLI's.
Designated Learning Institutes are institutes which are approved by a provincial or territorial government to accept international students. While the top-ranked Universities and Colleges are all DLI's, many private universities, colleges and vocational institutes may not be approved or only some programs may be approved for international students.
It is important to check this before applying for admission to any institute.
UNIVERSITY RANKINGS
The quality of education offered in Canadian Universities can be gauged by the number of Canadian Universities that feature in the World Ranking of Universities.
While University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and McGill University consistently top the rankings for Canadian Universities, there are 30 Universities which feature in the top 1000 Universities.
For a complete subject-wise list of top ranking universities in Canada, click on the button below.
THE ADMISSION PROCESS
While most institutes accept admissions for the Fall Session in September, some Universities also accept applications for the Winter semester and the Summer semester.
As a first step, it is important to check on whether the institute is approved as a DLI before proceeding with the rest of the admissions process.
Visit the Admissions Procedure page to understand the application process and the documentation that you need to complete as well as the process to apply for a study permit
Institutes in Victoria, British Columbia
Camosun College
Victoria is also home to Camosun College, one of the largest public colleges in British Columbia.
Providing an exceptional educational experience, the college offers programs with an experiential learning and applied learning opportunities. Camosun College also offers vocational courses and upgrading opportunities.
Located in the Greater Victoria area of Saanich, Camosun College is just 15 minutes from downtown Victoria.
Royal Roads University
Located in Greater Victoria, the Royal Roads University offers a great experience to international students.
With a history dating back to the 1940's when it was a training institute for military officers, the Royal Roads University is a heritage site which is also located on land belonging to the indigenous people of Canada.
An ideal weather throughout the year along with a variety of entertainment and sporting opportunities nearby makes this university an ideal institute.
University of Victoria
While most international students mainly apply to institutes in Vancouver, Victoria has equally good institutes that can be considered.
The University of Victoria is ranked 349 on the QS World Rankings List and also features amongst the top Canadian Universities for research.
Victoria is not just the capital of British Columbia. The location of the city is close to Vancouver and Seattle, Washington. The garden city is one of the oldest cities in Canada.
Visitor Visa
A Visitor's Visa or Temporary Resident Visa is required to enter Canada as a tourist. The Visitor Visa is valid for up to 6 months. The application form is online. An appointment needs to be made to provide the Biometrics, if required. The visa processing can take up to 45 days. The cost of the tourist visa starts from Rs. 11,500 (approx). One can apply online for the visa or go through an Authorized Visa Agent (AVA). Should you require any assistance with visa services, flight bookings or hotel accommodation, our Travel Concierge would be happy to assist you!
IMMIGRATION TO CANADA
Ranked as one of the best countries in the world to live in, Canada is one of the few countries which offers free public healthcare and education to all citizens and permanent residents. Canada has one of the highest standards of living and one of the strongest economies in the world. There are over 70 different visa and immigration programs available to help you move to Canada in the easiest and fastest way.
At CanadianXperience, we endeavor to provide you and your family the best opportunity for success in applying for the Canadian visa so that you can achieve your dream. Contact us for a hassle-free and smooth immigration process.
LET US TURN YOUR DREAM INTO REALITY!