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Why Ireland is the Best Destination for International Students (2024)

April 18, 2024

Ishita Soni

Why Ireland Might Be the Best Destination for International Students (2024)

In 2024, countries are rethinking international education. Ireland stands out by offering top-notch education. With its new strategy, Global Citizens 2030, Ireland plans to welcome more international students, signaling great opportunities ahead.

What exactly is included in Ireland’s new strategy?

Ireland’s new Global Citizens 2030 strategy aims to make Ireland a top destination for global talent by focusing on six main ideas. Firstly, it prioritizes talent and innovation, attracting international learners and researchers. Additionally, it promotes diversity, strengthens European connections, fosters collaboration with Northern Ireland, and leads in talent, innovation, and science policies.

The Global Citizens 2030 strategy is based on the following six core pillars, or concepts:

Talent and innovation at the heart of Ireland’s global footprint
A first-choice destination for international learners, researchers, and innovators
Global citizens in multinational, multicultural, and diverse workforces
Enhanced European influence in education and research.
A new era of collaboration between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
Thought leadership in talent, innovation, and science policy.

Talent and Innovation as part of Ireland’s Global Footprint

By 2030, the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science (DFHERIS) will collaborate with the Department of Foreign Affairs to designate Talent and Innovation Attachés at strategic locations in Ireland, thereby enhancing coordination and effectiveness.

International Education Mark (IEM):

DFHERIS will introduce the International Education Mark (IEM) soon. It’s a plan to boost trust in Irish universities’ quality, supporting the Global Citizens 2030 strategy.

European Universities

DFHERIS will keep backing Irish universities in their involvement with the European Universities Alliance (EUA), which aims to improve higher education quality and promote equality and inclusivity across European universities.

Innovate for Ireland

This collaboration between industry and the Irish government aims to draw top-notch PhD students. Innovate for Ireland encourages them to do research and innovation in key areas across the country, fostering a global outlook to address both local and global issues.

Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter part of 2026. This presents a unique chance to advance Ireland’s own proposals and to lead the European discussions on education, skills, research, innovation, and science.

Shared Island Mobility and Exchanges

The DFHERIS will collaborate with the Department of Education in London to explore the possibility of joint mobility and exchange programs involving Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Great Britain.

Thought Leaders in Talent and Innovation Policy

DFHERIS will establish a research program concentrating on talent and innovation policies in small, advanced economies. Additionally, it will review Ireland’s participation in global research and scientific organizations to ensure the best possible outcomes for its investments.

Ireland’s Student Growth Target

Ireland’s Global Citizens 2030 plan aims to increase international student enrollment in higher education by approximately 10% by 2030, building on the 35,140 international students enrolled in Irish universities in 2022 and 2023.

What Does This Mean for Students?

Studying in Ireland offers diverse pricing options, top-notch education, and a vibrant cultural experience in a rapidly growing tech hub. Furthermore, with its Global Citizens 2030 strategy, Ireland is prioritizing opportunities for international students. This demonstrates its commitment through ongoing efforts to improve education quality and enrich student experiences, despite challenges faced by other countries.

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Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com

(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad).

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Post Graduation Work Permit in Canada for Indian Students (2024)

April 16, 2024

Ishita Soni

How to Get Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit

Canada offers a range of benefits to international students, and among them is the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. Furthermore, eligible students who have finished their studies at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada can apply for this program. Intrigued to learn more? Well, let’s delve into what the PGWP entails, who is eligible to apply, and its duration.

Steps to Apply for Post Graduation Work Permit

Step 1: Check your eligibility
Step 2: Arrange for all the documents
Step 3: Apply for the visa
Step 4: Get the work permit
Step 5: Work in Canada

Check Your Eligibility for PGWP

18 years old or more.
Done a course in Canada for at least eight months.
The program must have been completed at DLI.
Apply within 90 days of graduation.
Hold a valid study permit

Why Apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit ?

A post-graduation work permit is a special permission for international students who complete their studies in Canada. Consequently, it allows them to work in Canada without requiring a job offer. Furthermore, they have the freedom to work full-time, select their workplace, and begin their career journey. Additionally, it serves as a direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency, giving them an edge over other work permits when seeking employment opportunities.

Who Can Apply for a PGWP?

To qualify for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) in Canada, you must have completed a full-time study program at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, resulting in a degree, diploma, or certificate.

However, starting September 1, 2024, a change comes into effect. If you enroll in a study program at a public-private partnership institution after this date, you won’t be eligible for a PGWP. Nonetheless, if you’re already studying at one of these institutions before September 1, 2024, you can still apply for a PGWP upon program completion.

What If My Study Permit Expires Before I Get My Marks, Degree, or Diploma?

If your study permit in Canada is about to expire, you have a few options. Firstly, you can apply for a visitor record, which allows you to stay in Canada as a student authorized to study without needing a study permit. Simultaneously, you can also apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP). Alternatively, you can leave Canada before your study permit expires and apply for a PGWP from your home country or another overseas location.

However, if your study permit has already expired, you still have a bit of time. Within 90 days after it expires, you can apply for a PGWP. Nevertheless, you’ll need to restore your status as a student first. Restoring your status comes with an additional fee of C$379 (as of March 2024). However, if you don’t apply to renew your student status within those 90 days, you’ll have to leave Canada.

Extending your Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

To make applying for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) easier, it’s important to check that your passport is valid until after your PGWP ends. Consequently, if your passport expires before your PGWP, the government can only give you a PGWP that lasts until your passport expires.

However, if your passport does expire earlier and your PGWP ends prematurely because of it, you can try to extend it. Usually, you can only do this if Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) tells you to, and you have to apply by filling out paper forms.

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Australia to introduce new Genuine Student requirement

April 15, 2024

Ishita Soni

New Genuine Student Requirement for Australian Student Visa

Thinking about studying overseas in Australia? If you are, it’s important to be aware that the Australian government is implementing updates to the student visa procedure starting March 23, 2024. Additionally, further adjustments are anticipated later in the year. Consequently, keep reading to learn about the upcoming Australian Genuine Student requirement and its implications for prospective students like yourself.

The New Genuine Student Requirement

Australia replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. Consequently, this process involves filling out a form, writing a 300-word essay about themselves, and sometimes even having an interview.

But from March 23, 2024, Australia is changing the process. Now, instead of writing that 300-word essay, students will answer specific questions as part of the Genuine Student requirement (GS). Therefore, it’s simpler than before.

English Language Proficiency Changes

The Australian Government is changing the rules for English tests that students and temporary graduate visa applicants need to take. Starting in early 2024, if you’re applying for a student visa, you’ll need a higher score in your English test. It’s going up from 5.5 to 6.0. And for temporary graduate visas, the minimum score is going up from 6.0 to 6.5.

English Language Requirement Changes

The new minimum English requirements for international students in Australia:

For Temporary Graduate visas, the required score goes up from IELTS 6.0 to 6.5.
For Student visas, it goes up from IELTS 5.5 to 6.0.
If you’re taking English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), the score increases from IELTS 4.5 to 5.0.
For University foundation or pathway programs with English training, you’ll need a score of IELTS 5.5.

Student Visa Declaration

With the new Australian Genuine Student requirement, the updated Student visa declaration will ask applicants to confirm that they.

Know what it means to be a real student in Australia.
Will follow the rules of their student visa and inform the Department of Home Affairs if things change.
Understand that while some students can stay in Australia forever under specific conditions, only a few graduates can, and those who can’t must leave after their studies.

GS Requirement Questions

Australia wants to understand why students want to study there and if they’re genuine about it. Therefore, they’ll ask questions about your personal situation, why you chose your course and Australia, how the course will help you, and if you had any previous studies in Australia or different visas. Consequently, they want to make sure you’re serious about studying there and not just trying to get a visa for other reasons. Subsequently, Australia replaces the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement with the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.

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Apply for a Study Permit through the Student Direct Stream (SDS)

April 13, 2024

Ishita Soni

Apply for a study permit through the Student Direct Stream

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program is an initiative launched by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aimed at expediting the visa process for international students. The primary goal of SDS is to make the visa application process faster, more efficient, and convenient for eligible students applying to study in Canada.

Under the SDS program, eligible applicants can expect to receive their visas within a shorter timeframe, typically between 4 to 6 weeks, in contrast to the regular processing times. This accelerated processing time can greatly benefit students who are eager to start their studies in Canada without unnecessary delays.

Overall, SDS streamlines the visa application process for international students, offering them a faster and more efficient pathway to pursue their education in Canada.

Who Is Eligible for the Student Direct Stream?

The Student Direct Stream (SDS) program offers faster study permit processing for legal residents of specific countries who meet certain eligibility criteria. If you’re a legal resident of one of the 14 listed countries (Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, The Philippines, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam), you may qualify for expedited processing.

To be eligible for the SDS program, you must meet the following requirements:

Have a provincial attestation letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you plan to study.
Possess an acceptance letter from a post-secondary designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
Reside outside of Canada when you apply for the study permit.
Provide proof of payment for the first year of tuition.
Hold a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of C$20,635.
Furnish your most recent secondary or post-secondary transcripts.
Present language test results demonstrating sufficient proficiency.

Applying for a Study Permit through SDS? Here’s What You’ll Need.

Provincial Attestation Letters
Proof of First-Year Tuition Payment
Medical Exam
Police Certificate
Language Test Results
Bringing Spouses, Common-Law Partners and Dependent Children

Who Isn’t Eligible for the Student Direct Stream?

If you’re not in a listed country for the fast-track process, you must apply through the regular channel. However, if you’re from a listed country but reside elsewhere, the fast-track option is unavailable. In such cases, or if you’re ineligible for the fast process, you can still apply for a study permit through the standard procedure. Alternatively,

What Happens After You Apply?

After submitting your study permit application through the Student Direct Stream, you’ll then have to book an appointment to provide your biometrics. Subsequently, the visa office can begin processing your application.

What Happens When My Application Is Approved?

If your application is approved, you’ll receive:

A letter of introduction, which you’ll present to a border officer upon arriving in Canada
An eTA or visitor visa, depending on your requirements

Congratulations! With the confirmation of an approved study permit, you’re now one step closer to pursuing your dream of studying abroad in Canada!

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Canada’s Immigration Minister Plan to increase in-Canada Draws

April 12, 2024

Ishita Soni

Minister wants more people already in Canada to get residency (2024).

On March 21st, within Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced heightened domestic draws for permanent residency, targeting temporary residents. These draws, like Express Entry, prioritize candidates with relevant work experience and language skills to transition them to permanent status, alleviating pressures on housing and healthcare.

What does this mean for people who recently came to Canada?

For people with work or study permits in Canada, Miller’s comments suggest a focus on making them permanent residents. Nonetheless, it’s uncertain how this will turn into policy. Canada has previously favored candidates already in the country. This was evident during COVID-19 when it invited many with lower scores through the Canadian Experience Class. Moreover, Provincial Nominee Programs also often target those already living in the provinces or territories.

The Immigration Minister, Miller, plans to increase domestic draws for permanent residency through both federal and provincial pathways, as mentioned at the beginning of the article.

Why did the immigration minister say these things?

Miller wants to give more chances for people already in Canada to get permanent residency. Furthermore, due to the positive outcomes experienced by individuals in Canada, this contributes to achieving immigration objectives without increasing burdens on housing and healthcare resources.

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International Students are Allowed to Work in Germany

April 11, 2024

Ishita Soni

Germany Extends Work Opportunities for Foreign Students Pre and Post Degree

International students in Germany can work part-time after nine months of starting their academic courses, while graduates from German universities can apply for permanent residency after two years of work experience. These new regulations aim to provide work opportunities for students and address the country’s demand for skilled workers, with around 770,000 job vacancies available as of 2023.

New skilled worker law in Germany

From March 2023, Germany implemented a new law allowing international students to work while studying there. These students can arrive up to 9 months before their studies commence and work up to 20 hours per week. Additionally, they can enroll in language courses in English, German, or another language of their choice during this time. The new law also enables students to work between 120 to 140 full days per year.

Apprenticeship applicants are allowed to work before & after studies.

Individuals interested in apprenticeships in Germany can now work while they search for one. To qualify, they must be under 35 years old and have a B1-level proficiency in German. They can work up to 20 hours per week during the nine months before and after their apprenticeship training begins.

German Graduates are allowed for Permanent Residency

After graduating from a German university, foreign students can remain in Germany for up to 18 months to search for a job. If they acquire two years of work experience in Germany, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency. However, if they intend to switch professions after graduation, they need to update their visa to either an EU Blue Card or a German Skilled Worker Visa.

770,000 Job Vacancies available in Germany

In December 2023, Germany had 770,301 job openings in different areas. The top 20 jobs included roles like gardening, metalworking, woodworking, and other technical jobs. Some of the best-paying jobs in Germany were in healthcare, sales management, flying (pilots), and law.

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BC PNP Conducted its Latest draw on 9th April, 2024.

April 10, 2024

Ishita Soni

Latest British Columbia PNP Draw on 9th April,2024.

In British Columbia, Canada, a recent selection process for permanent residency occurred. Authorities issued more than 87 invitations for people to apply(BC PNP Draw), specifically targeting certain occupations, particularly in the technology sector. Out of these, 46 invitations went to skilled workers and recent graduates, including those who applied through the Express Entry system. The minimum score required for selection increased by 2 points compared to the last selection process.

Furthermore, authorities sent invitations to 9 profiles with experience as early childhood educators’ assistants or instructors (NOC 42202). Moreover, British Columbia’s new category-based draw, introduced in late 2023, invited only 13 applicants with experience in 25 construction-related occupations. Additionally, 19 profiles created with experience in 39 healthcare-related occupations received invitations to apply for permanent residency.

Latest BC PNP Draw Canada: April 9

Date	Draw type	Stream	Minimum Score	Number of Invitations
Date	Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)	Stream	90	9
April 9, 2024	Targeting 25 Construction occupations	Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)	95	13
	Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations		95	19
	Targeting 35 tech occupations		116	46
	Veterinary care		80	<5

When is the next BC PNP Draw 2024?

The next BC PNP draw for 2024 is expected to be announced on April 16th. Anticipations suggest a focus on early childhood educators, 35 tech occupations, 25 construction occupations, and 39 healthcare occupations. Draws occur weekly, alternating between general draws and targeted draws for specific sectors like technology or healthcare.

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English Requirements to change for Australian Visas in 2024.

April 9, 2024

Ishita Soni

English language test standards rise for graduate and student visas in Australia.

At the beginning of early 2024, the Australian Government implemented heightened English language proficiency standards for visa applicants. Consequently, the required score for student visas will rise from 5.5 to 6.0. Similarly, the minimum score for temporary graduate visas will increase from 6.0 to 6.5. These adjustments indicate a stricter criterion for international students and graduates intending to study or work in Australia. Therefore, it requires a more advanced level of English proficiency to fulfill visa prerequisites.

Which English proficiency test does Australia value more?

When it comes to choosing an English test for an Australian visa, you have several SELT options to choose from. The Australian government accepts scores from the following tests:

International English Language System (IELTS)
Pearson Test of English (PTE)
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE or C1 Advanced)
Occupational English Test (OET)

All four tests assess proficiency in the four fundamental language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Among these tests, many people opt for the International English Language Testing System, or IELTS.

English Language Requirements for Temporary Graduate Visa (TGV)

The requirements for the IELTS test scores have risen for the Temporary Graduate visa. Previously, applicants needed an overall score of 6.0, but now they require a higher score of 6.5. Additionally, for each section of the test—reading, writing, speaking, and listening—they must achieve a minimum score of 5.5.

Furthermore, the timeframe for considering the test results valid has been shortened. Previously, test results could be up to 3 years old, but now they must be obtained within 1 year before applying for the visa. So, applicants must show proof that they took the English Language test within the last year before submitting their visa application.

English Language Requirements for Student Visa

The IELTS test score requirements have been updated for different types of visa applications:

For Student visas, the required score has been raised from 5.5 to 6.0.
For packaged ELICOS courses, the required score has been increased from 4.5 to 5.0.
There are no changes for students studying English through ELICOS.
For students undertaking university foundation studies, the required score remains at 5.5.

Why have English language requirements changed?

The new English language requirements will consequently play an instrumental role in supporting you to have a positive student experience in Australia and, if you choose to apply for a graduate visa, will aid you in succeeding in the Australian workplace.

Strong English skills will help you to engage with the Australian community and understand your workplace rights and responsibilities.

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Canada has announced the Allocation and Approval process for study permits in 2024.

April 8, 2024

Ishita Soni

Canada Announces Study Permit Allocations and Approvals for 2024.

In 2024, the Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, plans to approve 235,600 new study permits. There’s a cap of 392,667 applications (excluding some students) with a 60% approval rate. They’re aiming for a total of 485,000 permits, including 97,000 extensions, across provinces. Canada expects about 606,000 study permit applications, with the maximum limit set for all applicants, including school students and those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees.

Around 392,667 slots are allocated for new study permit applications, excluding primary and secondary school students as well as master’s or doctoral degree students. Initially, the cap announced in January excluded these groups, but it now applies to all types of study permit applications.

Study Permit Allocations by Province, 2024

Below are the study permit allocations and expected approvals for study permit applications, excluding primary and secondary school students and master’s or doctoral degree students.

Date	Draw type	Stream	Minimum Score	Number of Invitations
Date	Childcare: Early childhood educators and assistants (NOC 42202)	Stream	90	9
April 9, 2024	Targeting 25 Construction occupations	Skilled Worker, International Graduate (includes EEBC option)	95	13
	Targeting 39 Healthcare occupations		95	19
	Targeting 35 tech occupations		116	46
	Veterinary care		80	<5

Capping model of Canada Study Permit 2024

According to the minister, the national cap on international students is set at zero growth, meaning it’s the same as the number of study permits expiring this year.

In 2024, the number of new international students coming to Canada should match the number of students whose permits expire. The goal for 2024 is to have 485,000 approved study permits. IRCC distributed 393,000 permits based on each province and territory’s population share.

In 2024, certain provinces will experience a rise in student numbers, restricted to a 10% increase from 2023, whereas others will see a decrease. To manage growth and align with regional objectives, IRCC modified allocations. Additionally, they provided assistance to provinces anticipating reduced student numbers and augmented allocations for those with low approval rates. Consequently, around 552,000 applications received assignments, aiming for approximately 292,000 accepted permits, reflecting a 28% decline from 2023 for capped groups.

know More about Canada’s announcement on two-year cap on international student visas.

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BC PNP conducted its latest draw on 3rd April, 2024.

April 4, 2024

Ishita Soni

On April 3, the BC PNP issued only 83 invitations for individuals seeking permanent residents. These invitations were dispersed in two distinct manners. Initially, 30 invitations were extended to candidates across various job categories, including Express Entry, Skills Immigration, Entry Level, and Semi-Skilled. The requisite score for invitation increased by 5 to 9 points in comparison to the previous draw on March 19, with the exception of the International Graduate category.

Furthermore, in this particular draw, invitations were specifically allocated to individuals in certain professions: 18 for early childhood educators’ assistants or instructors, 10 for construction-related occupations, and 25 for healthcare-related roles. Collectively, the threshold score necessary to secure an invitation for these targeted occupations rose by 10 points relative to March 19.

INVITATIONS TO APPLY

The draw dates, the type of draw conducted, the number of invitations to apply (ITAs) issued, and any specific factors that were targeted for a specific draw.

Targeted invitations to apply to the Skills Immigration streams may be based on one or more of the following factors:

Education – level and field of education and where it was completed
Eligible professional designations in B.C.
Language skills
Occupation
Duration and skill level of work experience
Wage and/or skill level of job offer
Intent to live, work and settle in a specific region
Strategic priorities – factors that address specific labor market needs in B.C. or support government pilot projects and initiatives

British Columbia's economic and labor market needs. — British Columbia’s economic and labor market needs.

General information

The BC PNP will prompt individuals within the registration pool to submit an application for the program. Invitations to Apply ( ITAs) are determined based on the information furnished during registrations. This data is utilized to assess, select, and invite candidates deemed most likely to fulfill the economic and labor market requirements of British Columbia.

Invitations may be strategically directed to align with B.C. government priorities, such as bolstering specific business sectors, fostering regional immigration, and facilitating strategic pilot initiatives. The quantity of invitations extended and the frequency of ITA draws across all streams are managed to uphold consistent processing timelines for all applicants and to align with B.C.’s overarching priorities.

Learn on How to apply to this stream from Bc’s official website! OR

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