Important Updates
Important Updates
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
September 26, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent
September 26, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Artificial Intelligence Screening Piloted at Border Crossings
September 26, 2025Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Introduced
September 26, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Additional Concession Granted for Individuals With Pending Applications Due to Processing Delays
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
September 26, 2025 | United StatesBusiness Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent
September 26, 2025 | CanadaCanada: Artificial Intelligence Screening Piloted at Border Crossings
September 26, 2025Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Introduced
September 26, 2025 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Additional Concession Granted for Individuals With Pending Applications Due to Processing Delays
September 25, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaAsharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Canada: Increased Cost-of-Living Requirements and Other Policy Updates for International Students Announced

December 8, 2023

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) has revised requirements and policies for international students.
  • Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants will increase to CAN 20,635, up from the current CAN 10,000 for a single applicant.
  • Additionally, IRCC has updated temporary policies for international students that were set to expire at the end of 2023. These include:
    • Extension of the policy that allows eligible international students to work off-campus in Canada for more than 20 hours, until April 30, 2024; and
    • Extension of the policy allowing international students to not have the time spent studying outside of Canada deducted from the duration of their Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), until September 1, 2024.

The situation

Immigration, Citizenship and Refugees Canada (IRCC) has revised several key requirements and policies for international students.

A closer look

Key changes include:

Change

Details

Impact

Increase in cost-of-living requirements for study permit applicants

 

  • The minimum amount of cost-of-living funds required from foreign nationals applying for study permits will increase to CAN 20,635 for new applications submitted on or after January 1, 2024.
  • The current amount for a single applicant is CAN 10,000.
  • According to IRCC, the current cost-of-living requirement, which has not been reviewed since the early 2000s, does not conform with the current cost of living, resulting in students arriving in Canada with inadequate funds to live there.
  • Cost-of-living funds for dependents will remain the same at CAN 4,000 for the first family member and CAN 3,000 for every additional accompanying family member.
  • IRCC will also apply the new threshold to the Student Direct Stream (a special study permit application process available to residents of certain countries).

 

  • Study permit applicants must prove they have the minimum required cost-of-living funds available at the time of the application. They can prove funds by way of bank statements, proof of student loans, or proof of funding (in the case of scholarships), among other documents. The cost-of-living funds do not include tuition or travel costs.The increased amount may decrease the number of individuals who qualify for a study permit in Canada.
  • The increased amount may decrease the number of individuals who qualify for a study permit in Canada.

Extension of the waiver on the 20-hour limit for off-campus work

 

  • Until April 30, 2024, international students in Canada with a study permit that allows off-campus work authorization will not be restricted by the 20-hour-per-week rule during academic sessions. The policy was originally set to end on December 31, 2023.
  • As a reminder, foreign nationals who stop studying or reduce their course load to study part-time generally are not eligible to work off-campus.

 

  • The measure benefits international students while helping address Canada’s labor shortages.

Extension of distance learning measures

 

  • International students who begin their study program at a Canadian college or university before September 1, 2024, will not have the time spent studying outside of Canada deducted from the duration of their Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP). However, they must complete at least 50% of the program inside Canada. This policy was originally set to end on December 31, 2023.
  • International students who will start their program of study on or after September 1, 2024, will again have the time spent studying outside of Canada deducted from the duration of their PGWP.

 

  • This measure was initially implemented in 2020 in response to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic but will now benefit international students who need to be outside Canada at times.

End of 18-month permit extension policy for PGWP holders

 

  • The policy that allows foreign nationals in Canada whose PGWP expired in 2023 to apply for an open work permit extension or a new open work permit valid for up to 18 months (which is not possible under regular immigration rules), will expire on December 31, 2023, as intended. The policy will not be extended.
  • As a result, only foreign nationals with a PGWP expiring up to December 31, 2023, remain eligible to apply.

 

  • The policy, which has been extended three times, provided more time for eligible foreign nationals to access pathways to qualify for and obtain permanent residence while contributing to the Canadian economy.
  • Foreign nationals will now need to find other available pathways to remain and work in Canada after their PGWP expires as this option will no longer be available.

Background

These measures are part of IRCC’s ongoing challenge of balancing the goal of making Canada a leading destination of choice for students around the world and addressing labor shortages in the country, while simultaneously ensuring that learning institutions set a higher standard of support for international students.

The measures follow other recently announced reforms to the International Student Program with similar aims.

Looking ahead

According to IRCC, the cost-of-living threshold will continue to be adjusted annually in line with the Statistics Canada low-income cut-off (which represents the minimum income necessary to ensure that an individual does not have to spend a greater than average portion of income on necessities).

IRCC also announced that in 2024, it intends to implement targeted pilot programs to help international students pursue their studies in Canada.

Fragomen will report on relevant developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • CanadaCanada

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Blog post

Visa Applications and Document Services: Avoiding Delays and Ensuring Compliance

Immigration Supervisor Nathalie Pimenta and Immigration Programme Manager Frida Sakaj discuss the importance of planning visa applications and document services early to avoid delays and ensure compliance with UK regulations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.