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Changes coming for consumers, international students, and newcomers
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The year ahead promises changes in a variety of areas. Look for new consumer protection laws, new rules for international students, and a greater move to doing immigration applications online.
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Consumer protection
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Changes for consumers
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The new law gives consumers:
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- more time to end a contract if a business commits an unfair practice
- an easier way to cancel subscriptions and membership agreements, for example, for gym memberships or online services
- an easier way to get out of timeshares and long-term leases for home comfort appliances like water heaters
- free online access to their consumer reports and credit scores once a month
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Limits on businesses
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As well, the new law adds the following to the list of unfair practices that businesses must avoid:
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- price gouging, which means raising the prices of goods or services to a level much higher than what similar businesses charge
- taking advantage of consumers who cannot understand what's written in a contract.
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These are just some of the ways the new law will affect consumers and businesses. There's a more complete list of the changes in the government's backgrounder. |
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Updates for international students
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Working off campus
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In the past, international students could work off campus only 20 hours a week while their classes were in session. The government first removed this limit until the end of 2023. They've now extended that to April 30, 2024.
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This applies to students already in Canada, and those who applied for a study permit by December 7, 2023.
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More money for living costs
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Starting in 2024, the government increased the amount that a single person studying in Canada requires for living costs. The amount is now $20,635 a year, up from $10,000. The government calls this a cost-of-living requirement. |
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When a single person applies for a study permit, they must show that they have $20,635 to cover their living costs. They must also show that they have money to pay for their first-year tuition and travel costs.
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Applying online
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Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has moved many of its applications online. IRCC refers to these application websites as portals or accounts.
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In many cases, people must apply online. But some applications can or must be submitted on paper.
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If people are not able to apply online when it's required, they can ask IRCC for another way to submit their application. For example, someone who has a disability might need an application that's on paper, in braille, or uses large print.
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Permanent Residence Portal
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- humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) applications, and
- sponsorship applications.
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People can also submit applications for a permanent resident card and travel document through this portal.
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Citizenship Portal
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Many citizenship applications can be submitted online through the new Canadian Citizenship Portal. If a representative or lawyer completes the application on behalf of someone, they must use a paper application. |
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IRCC Portal
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Refugee applications made within Canada use the new IRCC Portal. Many refugees who claim protection at the border are also asked to use this portal. |
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And certain temporary resident applications can go in this portal.
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IRCC Secure Account
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- work permit applications
- applications to extend work permits, study permits, and visitor status
- Express Entry applications for people applying to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker
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There's some overlap between the IRCC Portal and IRCC's Secure Account for temporary resident applications, especially visitor visa and study permit applications.
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Figuring out how to apply
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They can also call IRCC's Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 with questions or try to get legal advice. |
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Related Resources
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