The Canadian government, through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), has unveiled new adjustments to its International Student Program for 2025.

These changes include a 10% reduction in the study permit cap, setting it at 437,000 for the year, and introducing stricter eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program.

Key Points:

• Study Permit Cap: For the first time, the cap will include master's and PhD students, with about 12% of spaces reserved specifically for these students. This cap is set to stabilize in 2026 at the same level as 2025.
• Post-Study Work Permit Adjustments: PGWP eligibility will be limited to graduates from public colleges in fields linked to long-term labour shortages. Additionally, starting November 1, 2024, all PGWP applicants will need to demonstrate higher language proficiency.
• Dependent Work Rights: Spouses of international students in master's programs will be eligible for a work permit only if the course duration is at least 16 months.

These measures aim to align the immigration system with current economic and labour market needs while ensuring the sustainability and integrity of Canada's educational offerings to international students.

The government's approach has sparked significant feedback from educational institutions and industry bodies, highlighting concerns about the impact on Canada’s reputation as a top education destination and the alignment of college programs with local labour market demands.

For more information on the new regulations and their implications, please refer to the upcoming details to be published on the IRCC website.

The UK Home Office has announced an expansion of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, initially launched for Qatar and later extended to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

Starting on 27 November 2024, eligible nationals from certain non-European countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, and South Korea, can apply for an ETA. This requirement will become mandatory for entry into the UK from 8 January 2025.

European travelers will be able to apply for the ETA from 5 March 2025, and they must have it by 2 April 2025 to enter the UK. The ETA, costing UK£10, is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for up to six months per visit. Applications can be made online or via a dedicated app.

This initiative is part of the UK's broader move to digitalize its border processes, including the transition to eVisas. Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra highlighted that digitalization aims to smooth the travel experience while enhancing security and supporting the UK’s tourism economy, which is expected to contribute over UK£32 billion this year.

Visitors can access the official Home Office statement on expanding the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation for more details.

The UK Home Office has announced an increase in the financial requirements for international students applying for visas, effective from 2nd January 2025. International students must now demonstrate access to higher monthly funds than previously required. For those studying in London, the amount has been raised to UK£1,483 per month, up from UK£1,334. For students outside London, the required amount is now UK£1,136 per month, increased from UK£1,023.

This change, the first adjustment since 2020, aims to align the maintenance requirement for international students with the maintenance loans available to domestic students for the 2024/25 academic year. The Home Office also plans to adjust these requirements in the future to stay in line with the maintenance loans provided to home students.

Additionally, the maximum amount for the 'accommodation offset' will increase to UK£1,483. This adjustment allows international students who have already paid for their accommodation in the UK to show reduced maintenance funds.

You can view the Home Office's fact sheet on these new financial requirements for detailed information.