On January 22, 2024, in Ottawa, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, highlighted the significance of international students in Canada’s social, cultural, and economic landscape. However, challenges to the integrity of the international student system have emerged, including institutions increasing intakes for revenue and inadequate support for student success.
To address these issues, the Government of Canada will implement measures to stabilize the number of international students for a two-year period. The intake cap for international student permit applications in 2024 is set at approximately 360,000, reflecting a 35% decrease from 2023. Provincial and territorial caps, based on population, aim to alleviate unsustainable growth in specific regions, with study permit renewals and certain educational categories exempted.
Each province and territory will receive an allocation under the cap, distributed among their designated learning institutions. Starting January 22, 2024, study permit applications to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must include an attestation letter from the respective province or territory. Temporary measures will be in place for two years, with a reassessment of new study permit applications in 2025.
In collaboration with stakeholders, the government will work towards a sustainable path for international students, including a recognized institution framework and determining long-term levels. Modifications to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program include changes to eligibility criteria, such as excluding students in curriculum licensing arrangements from post-graduation work permits. Additionally, master’s degree graduates will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit, addressing limitations in gaining work experience.
Further adjustments involve restricting open work permits for spouses of international students to those in master’s and doctoral programs, excluding spouses of students in other study levels. These measures align with recent reforms to the International Student Program, aiming to support genuine students, enrich their study experience, and alleviate pressures on housing and healthcare services in Canada.