January 22, 2024 — Ottawa — International students have long been an integral part of Canada’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. However, recent trends have highlighted challenges within the system, prompting the Canadian government to take decisive action to safeguard the integrity of the international student program.
In a significant announcement, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled measures aimed at stabilizing the growth of international student permits in Canada. The government has set an intake cap on international student permit applications, signaling a strategic move to address concerns surrounding rapid increases in student arrivals and the strain on essential services.
Key Highlights:
- Intake Cap: For the year 2024, Canada will cap the number of approved study permits at approximately 360,000, marking a 35% decrease from 2023 levels. This measure seeks to ensure sustainable population growth and alleviate pressure on housing, healthcare, and other critical services.
- Provincial and Territorial Caps: To ensure fairness and address regional disparities, individual caps weighted by population have been established for provinces and territories. This approach will lead to more significant reductions in areas experiencing unsustainable growth in the international student population.
- Temporary Measures: The announced measures will be in effect for two years, with a reassessment of new study permit applications scheduled for 2025. During this period, the government will collaborate with stakeholders to develop a sustainable framework for international student enrollment and address long-term concerns.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Changes: Starting September 1, 2024, eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program will be revised. Notably, graduates of master’s degree programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit, providing enhanced opportunities for work experience and potential transition to permanent residence.
- Spousal Work Permits: Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, aligning with efforts to streamline eligibility and support academic pursuits at higher levels.
Minister Miller’s Statement: “International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case. Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”
Quick Facts:
- The government will continue efforts to provide clear pathways to permanent residence for students with in-demand skills.
- Recent reforms to the International Student Program include updates to the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants and enhanced verification processes for letters of acceptance.
- Targeted pilots aimed at assisting underrepresented cohorts of international students are slated for implementation in 2024.
The announcement underscores Canada’s commitment to maintaining a robust international student program while addressing challenges and ensuring a supportive environment for students pursuing education in the country. As the world navigates shifting dynamics in education and immigration, Canada’s proactive approach sets a precedent for fostering sustainable growth and inclusivity in its education sector.