Student Visa Work Policies and Express Entry for French-Speaking Immigrants

Hello from Nohproblem!

💌 Welcome to this week’s edition of our Friday (*Canadian) newsletter.

This week’s Canadian news topics include:

🚨 20+ Hour Work Week for Student Visas, How Long Will It Last?

📣 This Year’s Express Entry Theme: Francophone Immigrants?

Student Visa 20+ Hour Workweek Exemption – How Long Will It Last?

Did you know that the 20-hour off-campus workweek exemption for student visas has been extended until April 30, 2024? Please note that this extension applies exclusively to applicants who secured their student visas by December 7, 2023.

Before the implementation of this temporary policy, officials expressed concerns about the potential impact of allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week on their studies and the temporary foreign worker program. The latter has seen a significant increase in size over the past decade and has faced criticism from Canadians as a potential loophole for permanent residency. To address these concerns, the government introduced a cap on study permits.

Despite initial reservations, the off-campus work hours restriction has been temporarily lifted until 2023, further extended to 2024 to address labor shortages. Minister Mark Miller assures that this is a temporary measure, considering a permanent cap between 20 and 40 hours, aiming for a balance between work experience, financial need, and academic focus. Additionally, he anticipates positive future policies, such as increasing the limit on off-campus work to 30 hours per week.

Expanding Express Entry for French-Speaking Immigrants in 2024

On February 9, 2024, Immigration Minister Mark Miller announced the launch of the 2024 Express Entry round, focusing on applicants with specific skills or strong French language proficiency. This policy aims to support economic growth and social prosperity, intending to increase Francophone immigration outside of Quebec to 8% by 2026.

This initiative, prioritizing Francophone applicants, reflects Canada’s commitment to the Francophone community. Through Express Entry, Canada seeks to attract the skilled workforce it needs while supporting the vitality of the Francophone community.

Exploring the Historical Connection Between Canada and France

In the 17th century, French settlers, primarily from western and northern France, arrived in Canada, giving rise to the French-Canadian ethnic group. Their expansion across North America during the 17th and 18th centuries led to the colonization of various regions, cities, and towns.

The historical ties between Canada and France, particularly the migration of French Canadians to New England between 1840 and 1930 (known as the Grande Hemorrhage), explain the prevalence of French as the primary language in Quebec, Montreal, and beyond. This historical connection continues to shape the linguistic landscape of Canada, fostering support for the French language nationwide.

We hope you found this newsletter informative and engaging. If you have any questions or want to delve deeper into these topics, feel free to reach out.

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