Changes for International Students – coming in June

A number of new regulations for international students will come into force on June 1, 2014. The changes are intended to make the process easier for genuine students and to minimize abuse of the study permit program.

The Changes

The chart below compares and contrasts the current rules with the new rules as of June 1.

Current Regulations	New Regulations as of June 1
Applicants must show that they intend to pursue studies in Canada when applying for a study permit.	Applicants must enroll in and continue to pursue studies in Canada. Failure to do so could lead to removal from Canada.
Applicants may apply for a study permit to pursue studies at any educational institution in Canada.	Study permits will only be issued to successful applicants who are pursuing studies at an educational institution that has been designated to receive international students.
Study permit holders eligible to work off-campus must apply for an Off-Campus Work Permit.	Study permits will automatically authorize holders to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic session and full-time during scheduled breaks. There will be no need to apply for a separate work permit. The study permit holder must be pursuing academic, vocational or professional training of six months or more. Studies must lead to a degree, diploma or certificate at a designated institution.
Any international student can apply for a Co-Op Work Permit if a co-op placement is an integral element of their course of study.	Only international students who are studying at a secondary school or a designated institution may apply for a Co-Op Work Permit. The co-op placement must still be an integral part of their course of study.
Visitors may not apply for a study permit from within Canada.	Visitors may apply for a study permit from within Canada if they: Are at the pre-school, primary or secondary level; Are on academic exchange or are visiting students ; or Have completed a course or program of study that is a condition for acceptance at a designated learning institution
International students who have completed their studies but hold valid study permits may remain in Canada until the expiration of their study permit.	A study permit becomes invalid 90 days after completion of studies. To remain in Canada, the graduate must possess a valid work permit or other authorization.
After completion of their studies, study permit holders are not authorized to work until they receive a Post-Graduate Work Permit	Eligible international graduates will be authorized to work full-time while waiting to receive a decision on a Post-Graduate Work Permit application.
There are no references clearly stating that Registered Indians, who are also foreign nationals, are exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit.	Registered Indians, who are also foreign nationals, may study in Canada without a study permit because they have the right of entry into Canada.

Who is affected by these Changes?

Any international student in Canada may be affected by one or more of these changes. This is especially true for the majority of international students who require study permits to come to Canada.

It is important to note that not all international students need to obtain a study permit. Study permit exemptions are most commonly granted to minor children residing in Canada, as well as individuals who will be studying in Canada for less than six months. More information on studying without a study permit can be found here.

Important Takeaways

The changes are by and large good news for international students, who will see some aspects of their study and work permit applications become more streamlined.

For instance, the decision to make study permit holders automatically eligible for off-campus work relieves international students of the time and stress of applying for a separate work permit. It also gives students the opportunity to gain professional experience during their studies and to connect with potential future employers. Similarly, the decision to allow graduates to work full-time while awaiting a Post-Graduate Work Permit helps students to transition smoothly into the Canadian workforce.

“These new changes were designed with students’ best interests in mind,” said Attorney David Cohen. “The Canadian government understands that international students make important contributions to our country, both economically and socially. Helping students come to Canada, and enjoy their stay here, is a win-win situation.”

Citizenship and Immigration Canada has stated that further details on the changes, as well as how they will be implemented, will be announced in the weeks leading up to June 1. Stay tuned to CIC News for important updates on this program.

To find out if you are eligible for a Canadian study permit, please fill out a free online assessment today. 

Related articles

• Expat alert: New rules for study in Canada
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada Finalizes New Regulations for International Students: Comments FWCanada
• Post-Graduate Work Permit Canada

Eligibility Requirements for the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

Harbour of Peggys Cove, Nova Scotia Français : Port de Peggys Cove, Nouvelle-Écosse (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Below are the detailed eligibility requirements for the various streams of the NSNP.

Skilled Worker Stream

The Skilled Worker Stream is composed of three different categories, each with their own eligibility criteria. They are as follows:

Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals with experience in an occupation classified as NOC level 0, A or B, also known as skilled occupations. Priority is given to these high skilled applicants. See below for further eligibility requirements.

Semi-Skilled Workers

This category is for workers whose occupations are classified as NOC level C, also known as semi-skilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least 6 months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting their application for permanent residency.

Priority is given to semi-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs

See below for further eligibility criteria.

Low-Skilled Workers

This category is for individuals whose occupations are classified as NOC level D, also known as unskilled occupations. Applications in this category will only be considered if all eligibility criteria are met and the applicant has worked for at least 6 months with a Nova Scotia employer that is supporting their application for permanent residency.

Priority is given to low-skilled workers whose employers:

• Have made an effort to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents for the position; and
• Can demonstrate that they will provide support to assist newcomers with settlement needs

See below for further eligibility criteria.

General Criteria for this Stream 
In addition to the general eligibility outlined above, all applicants, regardless of their work experience, must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• If living in Canada, provide proof of legal status
• Be between the ages of 21 and 55 at the time of application
• Receive a full time, permanent job offer from a Nova Scotia employer.
• Have at completed at least a high school level of education (12 years of study), and;
  • Have the education, training, and licensing/certification needed to perform the job in Canada, if applicable
• Have at least 12 months of relevant work experience
• Meet language requirements for the program
  • For NOC levels 0, A or B – CLB level 5 in English or French
  • For NOC levels C or D – CLB level 4 in English or French
• Demonstrate the intent and ability to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia

Employers sponsoring applicants through this program must meet the following requirements:

Be permanently established in Nova Scotia

• Have operated in Nova Scotia, under current management, for at least two years
• Issue a full time, permanent job offer to the individual applicant.
  • The job must be located in Nova Scotia
  • The job must have salary and benefits that meet Provincial employment standards
  • The job must be in a position for which there is a shortage of qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents
  • Job offers made to NOC level C or D occupations will be considered based on local labour market requirements and conditions
• Demonstrate recruitment efforts to fill the position with a qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident

Regional Labour Market Demand Stream

This stream will accept a maximum of 150 applications.

This stream targets individuals whose skills and experience meet Nova Scotia labour market needs. Applicants are not required to have a job offer at the time of submitting their application. However, they must intend to pursue employment in an occupation that has been designated as ‘in demand’ by the province. The following 25 occupations are currently designated as in-demand and thus eligible for this program:

• Systems Testing Technicians
• Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Technologists and Technicians
• Registered Nurses
• Head Nurses and Supervisors
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Managers in Health Care
• Computer Engineers
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• User Support Technicians
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
• Specialist Physicians
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians
• Financial Auditors and Accountants
• Software Engineers and designers
• Medical Engineers
• User Support Technicians
• Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers
• Specialist Physicians
• General Practitioners and Family Physicians
• Financial Auditors and Accountants
• Software Engineers and Designers
• Medical laboratory Technologists and Pathologists’ Assistants
• Insurance Adjusters and Claims Examiners
• Information Systems Analysts and Consultants
• Welders
• Machinists
• Industrial Electricians
• Steamfitters/Pipefitters
• Sheet Metal Workers

In addition, eligible applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 55
• Demonstrate language proficiency of at least level 5 according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scale or the Niveaux de competence linquistique canadiens (NCLC) scale
• Have an intended occupation in Nova Scotia that is considered skilled (NOC levels 0, A or B), and is in demand in their intended community of residence
• Be legally residing in current country of residence
• Have completed a high school level of education and received at least a degree, diploma or certificate from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Have at least two years of continuous, full-time work experience in last five years related to intended occupation in Nova Scotia
• Demonstrate the ability to become economically established in Nova Scotia
• Demonstrate intent to live in Nova Scotia permanently
• Complete an Employment and Settlement Plan outlining their potential contributions to Nova Scotia
• Attend an interview in Nova Scotia, if required

Family Business Worker

This stream helps Nova Scotia employers hire workers that are close relatives and have specific skills that may be difficult to find amongst Canadian citizens and permanent residents. In order to be eligible, the identified worker, or their spouse, must be related to the family business owner or the spouse of the business owner in one of the following ways:

• Son or daughter
• Brother or sister
• Niece or nephew (children of brothers or sisters)
• Uncle or aunt (parent’s brothers or sisters)
• Grandchild

They may also be a step or half relative of the same degree.

In addition, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have legal status in their country of residence
• Have a permanent, full time job offer from a Nova Scotia business belonging to a close family member
• Have the necessary education, training, qualifications or licensing/accreditation needed to perform the job
• Have the appropriate work experience needed for the position
• Demonstrate the intent and ability to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia

In addition, the family business owner, or their spouse, must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Lived in Nova Scotia for at least two years
• Own at least 33.3% of the business issuing a job offer.
  • Business should be under current management for at least two years
• Have a financially viable business that can provide the salary and other parameters outlined in the job offer
• Not received social assistance or employment assistance within the last two years
• Issue a full-time, permanent job offer to the close family member that meets the following requirements:
• Has a salary, benefit, and working condition standards that meet provincial employment standards
  • Does not contravene bargaining agreements or settle any labour disputes
  • For occupations requiring certification, applicant should contact a provincial certification organization and verify they meet requirements
• The family business owner or their spouse/common-law or conjugal partner may support an application under this category no more than once every two years. They may have to provide documentation to show that previously supported family members have settled into Nova Scotia, found employment, and not needed social assistance.

 Source: http://www.canadavisa.com/eligibility-requirements-nova-scotia-nominee-program.html#List