Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced plans to implement temporary caps on study visas for international students, marking a significant shift in immigration policy. According to the latest release from IRCC, the cap for 2024 is anticipated to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, indicating a notable 35% decrease from the figures recorded in 2023.

“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,” remarked Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

“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,” Miller added.

IRCC’s initiative extends to implementing caps for each province and territory, where limits will be proportionate to respective populations. This strategic move aims to address the substantial growth of the international student population, particularly in provinces where the surge has been deemed unsustainable. The provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec traditionally attract the highest number of international students due to their renowned universities and colleges.

Ontario, home to institutions like the University of Toronto, York University, and Ryerson University, offers a diverse and vibrant academic environment. Similarly, British Columbia boasts institutions like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Victoria, renowned for their quality education and research opportunities. Quebec, with institutions like McGill University, Université de Montréal, and Concordia University, attracts students with its rich cultural heritage and academic excellence.

It’s worth noting that these caps will not impact existing study permit holders, permit renewals, or pursuits of masters and doctoral degrees. International students pursuing doctorate and master’s programs will continue to be eligible for study permits, ensuring that Canada remains a top destination for advanced education and research opportunities.

Effective January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted to IRCC will necessitate an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory (PT). PTs are expected to establish processes for issuing these letters by March 31, 2024, with IRCC intending to reassess the cap in 2025.

In addition to the study permit caps, IRCC announced modifications to the eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Starting September 2024, international students engaged in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer qualify for the PGWP. This decision addresses concerns about oversight in private colleges compared to public institutions.

Furthermore, IRCC introduced a positive change for graduates from masters programs and other short graduate-level programs, allowing them to apply for a 3-year work permit. This adjustment addresses limitations faced by masters students under current criteria, which tie PGWP duration to the length of the study program.

In the coming weeks, IRCC will release more details on open work permits for spouses of international students. Notably, these open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, excluding those in other levels of study.

The decision to implement these measures comes after Miller’s public discussions on the matter, expressing concerns about the integrity of the system. Minister Miller highlighted challenges such as institutions admitting students beyond their capacity, resulting in revocation of admission offers due to housing and job shortages for international students.

IRCC’s recent changes underscore its commitment to ensuring a sustainable and controlled environment for international students in Canada, balancing the needs of students with the integrity of the immigration system. As Canada continues to navigate evolving immigration dynamics, these initiatives aim to create a more equitable and supportive framework for international students pursuing educational opportunities in the country.