The Canadian government has declared a reassessment of visa prerequisites for international students applying for study permits.

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This initiative, labeled the "cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants," will result in an escalation of fees from $10,000 to $20,000, starting from January 1, 2024.

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The goal of the action, according to Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller, is to ensure that foreign students who wish to apply for study permits are able to support themselves financially while living in the nation.

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“Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada,” a statement from the ministry said.

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“For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024,” it added.

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The Canadian authorities further pointed out that the review “will help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation.”

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Canada, which has recently become a sought-after destination for immigration, maintained a financial requirement of $10,000 for study permit applicants (international students) for nearly two decades.

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This recent announcement from Canada closely follows the United Kingdom's introduction of new visa regulations and a salary threshold for foreign workers, making visa acquisition more challenging for individuals, including Ghanaians.

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The Conservative Party, led by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, proposed these changes, necessitating individuals applying for working visas to have a minimum annual income of £38,700 (GH¢587,578), a substantial increase from the previous £26,000 (GH¢393,444).

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These figures surpass the existing median average salary of a full-time worker in Britain.

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The measures, presented by Home Secretary James Cleverly, aim to reduce annual immigration by 300,000 in the coming years, although a specific timeline for achieving this was not provided.

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The UK Home Secretary also announced additional measures, including restrictions on overseas care workers bringing family dependents and the plan to eliminate the 20 percent salary discount that recruiting firms can offer workers on the shortage occupation list.

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