Important Changes to Canada’s International Student Program in 2024
The Government of Canada has just announced some changes regarding the international student program.
If you are an international student who is planning to study in Canada, or if you are a Canadian institution that hosts international students, you need to be aware of these changes and how they may affect you.
The main changes are:
- The Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.
- 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 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.
- To implement the cap, as of January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will also require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing attestation letters to students by no later than March 31, 2024.
- Starting from September 2024, some private colleges that have curriculum licensing arrangements with public colleges will no longer be eligible to offer post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) to their international students. This means that students who complete their programs at these private colleges will not be able to apply for a work permit after graduation.
- These temporary measures are according to the Immigration Minister is intended to protect the integrity of the international student system, ensure adequate supports for international students, and promote sustainable population growth in Canada.
- As your trusted legal advisor, we can help you navigate these changes and provide you with the best possible solutions for your situation. Whether you need assistance with your study permit application, your PGWP eligibility, or your immigration options, I am here to help.
Please contact us – [email protected] at your earliest convenience to schedule a consultation and discuss your options. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
