In a recent announcement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed a temporary cap on the issuance of study visas for international students in 2024. The cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, marking a 35% decrease from the figures in 2023.
Provincial and Territorial Caps:
IRCC is introducing caps for each province and territory, based on population weightage, resulting in substantial decreases in regions with unsustainable growth in the international student population. These caps will not impact current study permit holders, renewals, or those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
As of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC requires an attestation letter from a province or territory, with PTs expected to establish the issuance process by March 31, 2024. The cap will be reassessed in 2025.
Changes to PGWP Eligibility Criteria:
IRCC has announced modifications to the eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Starting September 2024, international students in curriculum licensing arrangement programs will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This aims to address oversight concerns in private colleges with less regulation than public institutions.
Additionally, graduates from master’s programs and other short graduate-level programs will now be eligible for a 3-year work permit. This change allows these graduates more time to gain Canadian work experience, facilitating a smoother transition to permanent residency.
In the coming weeks, IRCC will release details on open work permits for spouses of international students. Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, excluding spouses of those in other study levels.
Challenges and System Integrity:
IRCC acknowledges challenges to the system’s integrity due to the surge in international students. The minister has emphasized the need for designated learning institutions (DLIs) to provide adequate student supports, as some institutions have increased intakes without ensuring proper support mechanisms. The rapid influx of international students also strains housing, healthcare, and other services.
Canada admitted over 800,000 international students in 2022, with a projected increase to over 900,000 in 2023. The minister expressed concerns about the “out of control” system and emphasized the necessity of discussions between provincial governments and DLIs.
IRCC is taking steps to enhance the international student program, including a Trusted Framework Agreement with DLIs for expedited processing and changes to the cost-of-living requirement.
These measures align with IRCC’s commitment to address challenges, maintain system integrity, and provide a supportive environment for international students in Canada. Stay tuned for more updates on these crucial developments in the immigration landscape.
