Prince Edward Island Could See More International Students After Study Permit Cap

Colin Singer
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Prince Edward Island Could See More International Students After Study Permit Cap

The University of Prince Edward Island might need to work harder to maintain its international student population after Canada’s cap on study permit applications, its interim president says.

Although the Atlantic Canadian province of Prince Edward Island’s own data shows it could theoretically see an increase in new international students compared to last year if all those who are allowed to enrol in its post-secondary schools next year do so, not all international students attend all the universities to which they are accepted.

“Both international and Canadian students typically apply and are accepted each year at multiple universities,” UPEI interim president Dr. Greg Keefe reportedly told the CBC. “Last year, UPEI made 3,200 offers to international students, and of those, 675 enrolled. This represents a conversion rate of 21 per cent.

“What this new allocation means is that UPEI will have to develop a process to ensure that we distribute the 1,185 offers as prudently as possible so that a higher percentage of those students actually choose to come to UPEI, and we can maintain our international enrolment numbers.”

In January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller set a cap of only 606,250 study permit applications in the coming year for new international students.

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“The intent of these Instructions is to ensure the number of study permit applications accepted into processing by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration … within the scope of the instructions does not exceed 606,250 study permit applications for one year beginning on the date of signature,” the Canada Gazette reported on Feb. 3.

“As stipulated in these Instructions, certain categories of study permit applications are excluded from the conditions set out in these Instructions and the associated application cap established by these Instructions.”

Under that cap, Prince Edward Island is being allowed 2,000 new international students for all its colleges and universities. Advanced Learning Minister Jenn Redmond has reportedly said the University of Prince Edward Island will be able to enroll up to 1,185 international students, Holland College another 710 and the Collège de l’Île 105.

Colleges And Universities Say Study Permit Cap Sends The Wrong Message

Throughout Canada, colleges and universities have expressed concern over the move, saying it sends the wrong signal to international students.

President and CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) Larissa Bezo said in a webinar organised by The PIE and Student VIP that the cap on study permits is not the way her organizations would have chosen to proceed to address the housing issue.

The CBIE issued a statement in January expressing concern the cap on the number of international students might have serious unintended consequences.

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“This hasty one-size-fits-all solution may jeopardize the benefits of international education that many communities across the country experience and rapidly unravel a strong global Canadian education brand that has taken years to build,” notes the CBIE on its website.

“A 35 per cent reduction in student visas is ultimately a signal to prospective international students around the world that Canada is closing its doors. These measures have the potential to cause irreparable harm to the EduCanada brand, and in a highly-globally competitive market, students may opt to choose other countries instead, well beyond the two-year duration of these measures.”

Five Groups Exempt From International Study Permit Caps

Exempt from this new cap on international study permits are those international students who already have study permits and are seeking to renew them and the family member of a temporary resident who already has either a work or study permit.

Also exempt from the cap on study permits are:

  • members of the armed forces of a country under the Visiting Forces Act, including a person who has been designated as a civilian component of those armed forces;
  • officers of a foreign governments sent, under exchange agreements between Canada and one or more countries, to take up duties with a federal or provincial agency;
  • participants in sports activities or events, in Canada, either as an individual participant or as a member of a foreign-based team or Canadian amateur team;
  • employees of foreign news companies reporting on events in Canada;
  • people responsible for assisting congregations or groups in the achievement of their spiritual goals and whose main duties are to preach doctrine, perform functions related to gatherings of their congregations or groups or provide spiritual counselling.

The cap on study permit applications is expected to reduce the number of study permits by more than a third, The Globe and Mail has reported.

“The cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35 per cent from 2023,” the immigration minister has reportedly said. “In the spirit of fairness, we are also allocating the cap space by province, based on population.”

A Comprehensive Guide On How to Buy a House as a New Immigrant to Canada:

Colin Singer
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A Comprehensive Guide On How to Buy a House as a New Immigrant to Canada:

As a new immigrant to Canada, the prospect of buying a house may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right information and guidance, it can become a feasible and rewarding endeavor.

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and daunting, especially when it comes to navigating the complexities of purchasing a home.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the essential steps and considerations for purchasing a home in Canada as a new immigrant.

Understanding the Canadian Real Estate Market

Before diving into the home-buying process, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the Canadian real estate market. Each province and territory has its own unique market dynamics, so research is key to understanding local trends, property values, and legal requirements.

Key Considerations:

  • Research the housing market in your desired location, including average property prices and housing trends.
  • Familiarize yourself with the different types of properties available, such as detached houses, condos, and townhouses.
  • Understand the role of real estate agents, lawyers, and mortgage brokers in the home-buying process.

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Financial Preparation

Purchasing a home is a significant financial commitment, so it’s essential to assess your financial situation and prepare accordingly.

Steps to Financial Preparation:

  1. Establish a budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend on a home by considering your income, expenses, and savings.
  2. Save for a down payment: In Canada, a down payment of at least 5% of the purchase price is typically required for homes valued up to $500,000.
  3. Build your credit history: A strong credit score is essential for securing a mortgage with favorable terms, so make sure to pay bills on time and avoid excessive debt.

Securing Financing

Once you’ve assessed your financial readiness, the next step is to secure financing for your home purchase.

Mortgage Options for New Immigrants:

  • Newcomer programs: Some financial institutions offer special mortgage programs designed specifically for new immigrants, which may include lower down payment requirements and flexible eligibility criteria.
  • Traditional mortgages: New immigrants with established credit history and steady income may qualify for conventional mortgages from Canadian banks and lenders.

Exploring Housing Options

With financing in place, it’s time to explore housing options that align with your budget, preferences, and lifestyle.

Tips for House-Hunting:

  • Define your priorities: Make a list of must-have features and amenities, such as the number of bedrooms, proximity to schools, and public transportation options.
  • Work with a real estate agent: A knowledgeable agent can help you navigate the housing market, schedule viewings, and negotiate offers on your behalf.
  • Attend open houses and property showings to get a feel for different neighborhoods and housing styles.

Making an Offer and Closing the Deal

Once you’ve found the perfect home, it’s time to make an offer and navigate the closing process.

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Steps to Making an Offer:

  1. Submit a written offer: Work with your real estate agent to prepare a written offer outlining the purchase price, deposit amount, and any conditions.
  2. Negotiate terms: Be prepared to negotiate with the seller to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
  3. Conduct a home inspection: Hire a qualified home inspector to assess the condition of the property and identify any potential issues.
  4. Finalize financing: Once your offer is accepted, finalize your mortgage financing with your lender.

Closing the Deal:

  • Sign the purchase agreement: Review and sign the purchase agreement with your lawyer or notary.
  • Pay closing costs: Budget for additional expenses such as legal fees, land transfer taxes, and home insurance.
  • Take possession of the property: Congratulations! Once all paperwork is finalized, you can officially take possession of your new home.

Conclusion

Navigating the process of buying a house as a new immigrant to Canada may seem daunting, but with careful planning and guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the Canadian real estate market, preparing financially, exploring housing options, and navigating the closing process, you can achieve your dream of homeownership in your new country. Remember to seek advice from trusted professionals and take your time to find the perfect home for you and your family. Welcome home!

How Canada’s New Visa Restriction Will Impact Mexican Nationals

Colin Singer
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How Canada’s New Visa Restriction Will Impact Mexican Nationals

Canada enacted new regulatory changes that exclude most Mexican nationals from eTA eligibility on February 29, 2024.

In 2023, Mexicans represented 18% of total refugee claims in Canada, with conflicting views on approval rates. While government sources claim a majority of Mexican claims are abandoned, withdrawn, or rejected, data suggests increasing approval rates, now surpassing 50%.

The Background

Nationals of Mexico were visa-exempt until 2009, when a TRV requirement was imposed to address significant asylum pressures.

Canada reintroduced a full visa exemption for Mexican nationals in 2016. Since that time, all Mexican nationals are required to apply online for an eTA before flying to Canada. An eTA application seeks less information from an applicant and is less costly than a TRV application. Commensurate with the lower level of risk these clients are assumed to pose, biometrics are not collected, nor are passports systematically inspected by an officer during eTA processing. While the decision to remove the TRV requirement in 2016 has resulted in increased mobility for hundreds of thousands of genuine Mexican visitors, and significant benefits to Canada, it has also generated unsustainable migration challenges.

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Record levels of asylum intake have been received from Mexican nationals, reaching over 24 000 claims in 2023 (or 18% of total asylum intake in Canada). Most Mexican claims are made at airports on arrival, an indication that claiming asylum, not visiting, was the true purpose of travel. The majority of Mexican claims are abandoned, withdrawn, or rejected by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB).

The regulatory amendments remove Mexico from the schedule of countries and territories whose nationals are exempt from the TRV requirement for travel to Canada under the Regulations.

The amendments also add Mexico to the list of countries and territories whose nationals may be eligible to travel to Canada on an eTA if they are travelling by air and have held a Canadian TRV in the last 10 years or hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa.

The eTA cancellation provisions are also amended to specify that the eTAs held by Mexican nationals remain valid provided that at the time the regulatory amendments came into force on February 29, 2024, they also hold a valid work or study permit. This protects the ability of existing Mexican students and workers to leave and return to Canada, under the previous policy.

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IRCC is targeting processing Mexican TRV applications within 30 days, although an initial application surge may result in temporary delays.

Discontinuing eTA eligibility for most Mexicans is projected to incur a present value (PV) cost of $1.0 billion over the next decade, covering IT updates and decreased tourism.

Conversely, the anticipated benefit is estimated at $6.6 billion (PV) over the same period, driven by reduced asylum claims costs and CBSA enforcement.

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