Canada Ends Conversion of Study Permit to PR for International Students

Canada Ends Conversion of Study Permit to PR for International Students

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Nov 16, 2024 03:31 PM IST

Canada has ended the process of converting study permits to permanent residency for international students, as per the latest immigration policies in Canada. This means that after the end of the intended course of study and study visa, international students must return to their home country. Canadian immigration is ending the Student Direct Stream (SDS) policy, handling Asylum claims and any other policy that allows student visa conversion to PR in Canada.

Canada Ends Conversion of Study Permit to PR for International Students
Canada Ends Conversion of Study Permit to PR for International Students

Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, highlighted that there was never a guarantee given to students with study permits to become permanent residents of Canada in an interview. He also spoke about the important issues affecting international students in the country. We have mentioned the details of the latest Canadian immigration policies below.

Also Read: Canada Student Visa 2025

Protest by International Students in Canada

In response to the new immigration policies, an increasing number of international students in Canada are united in protest and demand the automated Canada PR or their permit extension.

Minister Miller explained that by adding that international students have the right to protest in a democratic country. However, Canada immigration is prioritizing the maintenance of order and balance. He emphasizes that students coming to Canada with study permits should not assume they will be guaranteed permanent residency, clarifying that there is a big difference between a study permit and a residence permit.

What is Student Direct Stream (SDS)?

In 2018, the Canadian government launched the Student Direct Stream (SDS) program for international students. Under this scheme, the study permit applications are processed within 20 days for eligible students from 14 nations.

Later on, the SDS scheme was extended and offered due to some political tensions to students coming from India, China, Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Vietnam. Miller emphasized that the government of Canada wants to ensure that the visas offered to nationals of other countries are aligned with the country's safety and diplomatic priorities.

Work Permit Extension

The majority of international students’ postgraduate work permits (PGWPs) are about to expire hence the demand for their extension by students. The Canadian government will not provide any automatic extension to these students, says Minister Miller.

He added that some students might need to face difficult choices about staying or leaving Canada. There is a need to align the work permits with the Canadian labour market requirements by the government. Hereby, the government has taken applicable measures to decrease the temporary residents such as international students for effective management of the flow. The Canadian government plans to cut PR by over 20% following the latest policy on reduction in the quota.

Explore: Post Study Work Visa in Canada for international students

Managing Asylum Claims

There is a matter of concern as said by Miller as increasing Asylum claims in Canada are getting registered, especially from students. Some of these students are exploiting asylum claims and using this policy as a last attempt to stay in Canada. He then highlights the need to maintain the credibility of Canada's Refugee Act.

To manage the immigration system effectively and efficiently, cooperation between federal, provincial, and educational institutions is quite required that meet the country’s labour market and socio-economic needs. He emphasizes creating a system that addresses these needs without affecting the overall immigration framework.

New policies on permanent residency for international students aim to assess their impact and alignment with Canada's long-run strategy to attract and retain global talent.

Check out: Permanent Residency in Canada for International Students

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Get answers from students and experts

Hello there,

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is primarily an entrance exam for medical courses in India. If you're considering studying medicine in Canada, here are some key points to consider:

NEET and Medical Studies in Canada:

  1. Not Required for Admission : NEET is not required for admission to medical schools in Canada. Canadian medical schools have their own admission criteria, which typically include undergraduate degree requirements and standardized tests like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).

  2. Eligibility for International Students : To apply to medical schools in Canada, you usually need to complete a bachelor's degree (often with a focus on science) and achieve a good score on the MCAT.

  3. Application Process : Each Canadian medical school has specific admission requirements. It's important to research individual schools to understand their criteria, including GPA requirements, volunteer experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.

  4. Recognition of Indian Medical Degrees : If you complete your medical studies in Canada, your degree will be recognized, but if you study medicine in India, you’ll need to go through the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) exams to practice in Canada.

    Recommendations:

  • Research Canadian Medical Schools : Look into the specific requirements for the medical schools you are interested in.

  • Prepare for MCAT : If you're aiming for medical school in Canada, focus on preparing for the MCAT and meeting the prerequisite courses for admission.

    Conclusion:

NEET is not necessary for studying medicine in Canada. Instead, focus on completing an undergraduate degree, taking the MCAT, and meeting the admission requirements of Canadian medical schools.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello Aspirant

Foreign Universities require a candidate to have a 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized University/college with enough credits. The problem that many Indian students face is that they have a degree in bachelor's but in a 3-year course. This stops them from pursuing further studies at a foreign university. Still, some universities offer bridge courses for such students. For this, they need to reach their universities 2-3 months prior and do the Bridge course. But all of this depends on the university. This is why NEP introduced the new 4-year bachelor's course.

The best course of action is to go to the Canadian Universities' websites that you wish to join and contact their admissions office via mail and talk to them about your situation, they'll help you out with it. Also, when you sit for their interviews and have a valid answer for your gap year after your Bachelor's, it would be great if you have work experience for that duration.

Hope this helps.

The eligibility criteria for MHCET (Maharashtra Common Entrance Test) can be based on domicile rather than place of birth.

MHCET often considers domicile, not necessarily the place of birth, for exam eligibility. Since your son has completed his entire school education in Maharashtra, this might strengthen his case for domicile in the state.

Overall, while being born in Canada might not be a direct disqualifier, having completed his schooling in Maharashtra strengthens his case for domicile in the state. By gathering documents to prove his residence and referring to the official MHCET website or helpline, your son can get a clearer picture of his eligibility for the exam.

https://www.careers360.com/exams/mht-cet

I hope it helps!


Hello aspirant,

Canada offers ample opportunities in the field of radiology. With a B.Sc in Radiology, you can explore various career paths in Canadian healthcare institutions, including hospitals, diagnostic imaging centers, and clinics. It's advisable to research the specific requirements and licensing procedures for radiology professionals in the province where you plan to settle, as regulations may vary. Pursuing further certifications or examinations recognized by Canadian authorities can enhance your prospects in the field of radiology in Canada.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing good !!

Indian students must have an MBBS and clear USMLE tests to gain admission to post graduation after MBBS abroad in USA . It is important to understand that an MD/Doctor of Medicine (USA equivalent of MBBS in India) degree alone is not enough to practise medicine. A Medical PG in any specialisation is necessary..

Hope it helps you !!

Thanking you !!

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