Canada to Stabilize Growth in International Student Permits

Canada has announced strategic measures to stabilize the growth of international student permits, addressing concerns related to the integrity of the international student system. The move comes as some institutions have experienced significant increases in student intake, leading to challenges in providing adequate support and placing pressure on essential services.

Key Highlights of the Announcement:

• Intake Cap for 2024: The government will set an intake cap on international student permit applications for a two-year period. The cap for 2024 is set at approximately 360,000 approved study permits, reflecting a 35% decrease from 2023. Provincial and territorial caps, weighted by population, aim to address unsustainable growth in specific regions.

• Study Permit Renewals and Exceptions: Study permit renewals will not be impacted by the cap. Students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as those in elementary and secondary education, are excluded from the cap. Current study permit holders will not be affected.

• Allocation Process: IRCC will allocate a portion of the cap to each province and territory. Provinces and territories will distribute allocations among their designated learning institutions. Effective from January 22, 2024, study permit applications will require an attestation letter from a province or territory.

• Duration of Measures: These temporary measures will be in place for two years, with a reassessment of new study permit applications in 2025.

• PGWP Program Changes: Starting September 1, 2024, international students in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit.

• Spousal Work Permits: Open work permits for spouses will be limited to those of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized the importance of these measures in protecting the integrity of the immigration system while supporting genuine students. In addition to these measures, the government plans to explore pathways to permanent residence for students with in-demand skills and introduce targeted pilots in 2024 to assist underrepresented cohorts of international students. These reforms align with recent initiatives to enhance the International Student Program, including updates to the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants and improved verification processes for letters of acceptance. Canada remains committed to fostering a positive experience for international students while ensuring the overall well-being of communities and essential services.