Taking a proactive stance to preserve the integrity of its international student system, Canada is implementing crucial measures to stabilize the growth of international student permits. Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
The Honourable Marc Miller, announced today that an intake cap will be enforced on international student permit applications for the next two years, with the 2024 cap set at approximately 360,000 study permits—an anticipated 35% decrease from 2023.
Addressing System Abuses and Unsustainable Growth
The decision is prompted by concerns about certain institutions exploiting the system for financial gains, resulting in unsustainable growth and insufficiently supported students. This surge has also placed significant pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services. In response, the government is taking steps to address these issues and promote sustainable population growth.
Fair Provincial Allocations and Exemptions
Under the new plan, provincial and territorial caps, weighted by population, ensure fairness. This will lead to more substantial decreases in provinces experiencing the most unsustainable growth. Master’s and doctoral degree seekers, as well as those in elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the cap. Current study permit holders and renewals remain unaffected.
Attestation Letters for Rigorous Control
To implement the cap, as of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must include an attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing these letters to students by March 31, 2024.
Temporary Measures and Future Assessments
These temporary measures will be in place for two years, with a reassessment of new study permit applications for 2025 at the end of this period. During this time, the government will collaborate with provinces, territories, designated learning institutions, and education stakeholders to develop a sustainable framework for international students.
Aligning with Post-Graduation Work Permit Program: Changes Ahead
To align with the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, eligibility criteria are being adjusted. Starting September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer qualify for post-graduation work permits. Additionally, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit.
Open Work Permits and Spousal Eligibility
Further changes include restricting open work permits to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, excluding spouses of students in other levels of study.
Complementary Reforms for a Balanced System
The measures announced today complement other recent reforms to the International Student Program. These aim to ensure genuine students receive adequate support while stabilizing the overall number of students and mitigating pressures on housing, healthcare, and other services in Canada.
Quick Facts:
In the coming months, the government will work on providing clear pathways to permanent residence for students with in-demand skills and explore new measures to better transition international students to the labor force.
Recent measures, such as updating the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants and implementing enhanced verification processes for acceptance letters, aim to improve the International Student Program’s efficacy and protect students from fraud.
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