Canada announced a reduction in the number of international student permits.
For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023. In the spirit of fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, weighted by population, which will result in much more significant decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth.
STUDY PERMITS AND CAPS
- A cap for study permit approval is set for both 2024 and 2025 as a temporary measure. The 2024 cap is around 360,000 study permits. The 2025 cap is to be set after a re-assessment by the end of 2024.
The cap doesn’t affect study permit renewals and current study permit holders.
The cap doesn’t apply to:- (a) master’s and doctoral degree applications, and
- (b) elementary and secondary education.
- A cap for study permit approval is set for both 2024 and 2025 as a temporary measure. The 2024 cap is around 360,000 study permits. The 2025 cap is to be set after a re-assessment by the end of 2024.
The cap doesn’t affect study permit renewals and current study permit holders.
The cap doesn’t apply to:- (a) master’s and doctoral degree applications, and
- (b) elementary and secondary education.
- PGWP changes
Program not eligible for PGWP starting September 1, 2024- (a) international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement, and
- (b) students who physically attend a private college that has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college.
Limited open work permit issuance to spouses of international students: available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
Extended PGWP period for graduate-level program students:
- Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.
Highlights of Eligibility in Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.
- Canada will implement a temporary cap on new study permits for international students in 2024 and 2025, expecting a 35% reduction compared to 2023 levels.
- Additionally, starting September 1, 2024, post-graduate work permits will no longer be available for students in public-private partnership programs, and there will be restrictions on open work permits for spouses of international students.
- Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.
- Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
Despite the imposed cap, there are essential aspects that should be taken into consideration.
- Study permit renewals will not be impacted
- Those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap.
- Current study permit holders will not be affected.
The important measures announced today complement other recently announced reforms to the International Student Program. Taken together, they aim to ensure genuine students receive the support they require and have the resources they need for an enriching study experience in Canada, while at the same time stabilizing the overall number of students arriving and alleviating pressures on housing, health care and other services in Canada.
Sources:
ICEF: https://monitor.icef.com/2024/01/canada-announces-two-year-cap-on-new-study-permits/
Mainstream Media: https://globalnews.ca/news/10241346/international-student-visas-canada/