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Canada Doubles Cost of Living Requirement for International Students
On December 7, the Government of Canada revealed a number of changes impacting international students studying in Canada.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced two pivotal changes for international students:
1) The cost of living financial requirement a student must have for a study permit is being doubled from $10,000 CAD to $20,635 per applicant on January 1, 2024.
2) International students will continue to have the right to work more than 20 hours per week in Canada until April 30, 2024 – an extension from the previous deadline on December 31, 2023. This is for any student who has applied as of December 7, 2023.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)Â media release stated:
The cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants has not changed since the early 2000s, when it was set at $10,000 for a single applicant. As such, the financial requirement hasn’t kept up with the cost of living over time, resulting in students arriving in Canada only to learn that their funds aren’t adequate.
The cost will continue to be adjusted year on year for international students based on the cost of living index.
This change only applies to new student visas.
Safeguarding International Students
In a press conference in Ottawa, Miller insisted that this change is meant to protect these students so they are prepared for life in Canada, without being financially vulnerable.
Recognizing the immense social, cultural, and economic contributions of these students, the Canadian government is also exploring measures to ensure they find adequate housing and is planning targeted initiatives to aid underrepresented student groups.
Miller has also threatened to cap visas for provinces that don’t support their international students. He called them “the diploma equivalent of puppy mills that are just churning out diplomas, and this is not a legitimate student experience.”
More Harm Than Good?
Sarom Rho of the Migrant Students United said the changed are like a “roller coaster” and that they effectively exclude working class students who now only have 3 weeks to find an extra $10,000 CAD.
Others, especially those on the Reddit /r/Canada forum believe that the increase is a positive way to ensure students are financially ready to come to Canada, and won’t need to work full time while also studying full time.
What are your thoughts on the changes? Let us know in our Facebook group.
Read More About Living in Canada:
- 15 Reasons Not to Move to Canada
- Top 10 Reasons to Move to Canada: From a Canadian Expat
- Cost of Living in Canada by Province
- 15 Best Cities to Live in Canada (Local Tips!)
- 13 Canada Capital Cities & The Best Things to Do
- Living in Vancouver vs. Toronto: Where Should You Move?
- Moving to Toronto from Montreal: Is it Worth it?
- Moving to Quebec from Ontario: Benefits, Costs & More!
- Moving to Ontario from Quebec: Costs, Benefits & More!
- What is the Cost of Living in Toronto? (Local’s Guide)
- Living in Toronto vs. Chicago: Which is the Better City?
- What is the Cost of Living In Montreal?
- What is the Cost of Living in Ottawa? (Local’s Guide)
- Canada in Summer: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Canada in the Fall: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Canada in Winter: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Canada Winter Months and Temperatures
- 65 Best Things to Do in Canada in Winter
- Spring in Canada: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do [Local Guide]
- Living in Ottawa vs. Toronto: Which City is Right for You?
- Living in Toronto vs. Montreal: Which City is Right for You?
- 25 Pros and Cons of Living in Ottawa, Ontario
- 30 Pros and Cons of Living in Toronto: Beyond the CN Tower
- 20 Pros And Cons Of Living In Vancouver, BC Canada
- 22 Pros and Cons of Living in Halifax: Should You Move to Nova Scotia
- Canada Express Entry Step by Step Process
- 32 Pros and Cons of Living in Canada
- Canada Name Generator: Creative Name Ideas from a Canadian!
- Pros and Cons of Living in Calgary
- Canada Doubles Cost of Living Requirement for International Students
Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
Or get free accommodations with Trusted Housesitters!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
