Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have declared the implementation of a temporary limit on the issuance of study visas for international students. According to an IRCC release, the cap for 2024 is expected to lead to approximately 360,000 approved study permits, representing a 35% reduction from the 2023 figures.
In addition to this, IRCC is introducing caps specific to each province and territory, with allocations weighted based on population. These caps aim to address substantial growth in the international student population, particularly in provinces facing unsustainable increases.
It is essential to note that the caps will not affect current study permit holders or those renewing permits, and they exclude individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
As of January 22, 2024, IRCC stipulates that all study permit applications must include an attestation letter from a province or territory (PT). PTs are expected to establish the process for issuing these letters by March 31, 2024. IRCC plans to reassess the cap in 2025.
Changes to eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) have also been announced by IRCC. Starting September 2024, international students enrolling in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This change addresses concerns related to oversight in private colleges offering licensed curricula.
Furthermore, IRCC has shared that graduates from master’s programs and other short graduate-level programs will be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit. This adjustment is in response to the current criteria limiting the length of PGWP based on the study program duration, particularly affecting master’s students seeking Canadian work experience for permanent residency.
In the coming weeks, more details regarding open work permits for the spouses of international students will be released. IRCC specifies that open work permits will be restricted to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, excluding those in other study levels.
The changes come as a response to challenges faced by the immigration system, as Minister Marc Miller expressed concerns about institutions exploiting international students for financial gains. The measures aim to address issues of system integrity and ensure adequate support for international students in Canada. The release also highlights the strain on housing, healthcare, and other services due to the rapid influx of international students.
Canada admitted over 800,000 international students in 2022, and the Minister projected an increase to over 900,000 in 2023. To manage this growth, IRCC is taking various measures, including revising cost-of-living requirements and working towards a Trusted Framework Agreement with designated learning institutions (DLIs) for expedited study permit processing in 2024.
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