The Nepali Embassy in Canada has advised Nepali students planning to study in the North American country to be mindful of recent changes in government policies.

The Canadian government implemented a new policy regarding international students in January of this year, considering the challenges encountered by overseas students and the strain on the country’s educational infrastructure and housing resources, stated the embassy.

As per the policy, the government aims to decrease the intake of international students by 35 percent in two years.

The government is also enforcing a policy that will withhold the issuance of post-graduation work permits to students enrolled in bachelor’s degree programmes and below in private-public partnership colleges. A post-graduation work permit is a permit granted to international students upon completion of their studies in Canada. With the permit, students can work anywhere in Canada for any employer without limitations on hours.

This new regulation is scheduled to take effect in September. “Hence, it is advisable for students planning to study in Canada to consider these policies,” the embassy said.

Furthermore, the embassy urged prospective students and their guardians to thoroughly research suitable colleges/universities, scholarship opportunities, educational fees, living expenses and climate, among other factors.

The embassy said international students can reach out to the international student council of their respective college/university, as well as mental health and career counselling services, among other resources, to stay informed about various notices and opportunities.

Students have been asked to reach out to the Nepali embassy in Ottawa, the consulate in Toronto, the Non-Resident Nepali Association Canada chapter, and various Nepali organisations for advice or assistance.