Canadian Government Takes Steps to Stabilise Growth and Enhance Integrity of International Student System.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed today that the Government of Canada is implementing measures to stabilise the growth of international students and address concerns regarding the integrity of the system. The move comes as some institutions have exploited the international student program for revenue, leading to unsustainable growth and inadequate support for students.

International students play a crucial role in enriching Canada's social, cultural, and economic fabric. However, recent challenges have prompted the government to take decisive action.

Intake Cap Announced to Stabilise International Student Growth

Minister Miller announced the introduction of an intake cap on international student permit applications, aiming to stabilise growth for a two-year period. For 2024, the cap is set at approximately 360,000 approved study permits, representing a 35% decrease from the previous year.

To ensure fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, taking into account population size. Provinces experiencing the most unsustainable growth will witness more substantial decreases. Study permit renewals, pursuits of master's and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are exempt from the cap, and current study permit holders will not be affected.

Implementation Process and Duration of Measures

The allocation of the cap to each province and territory will be managed by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Effective January 22, 2024, every study permit application must include an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish the process for issuing attestation letters by March 31, 2024.

These temporary measures will be in place for two years, with a reassessment of new study permit applications for 2025 at the end of the period. During this time, collaboration between the federal government, provinces, territories, designated learning institutions, and national education stakeholders will continue to develop a sustainable path forward for international students.

Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Eligibility Criteria

In a parallel move, changes to the eligibility criteria of the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program were announced. Starting September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. Graduates of master's and other short graduate-level programs will become eligible for a 3-year work permit, addressing the limitations imposed by the previous criteria.

Restrictions on Open Work Permits for Spouses

Additionally, open work permits will now only be available to spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs, excluding spouses of those in other study levels. These measures aim to align the post-graduation work permit program with the broader goal of stabilising the number of students arriving in Canada and relieving pressures on essential services.

In Minister Miller’s words, “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. 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.”

Minister Miller emphasised the importance of these measures in ensuring that genuine students receive the support they need while safeguarding the integrity of Canada's immigration system. The government aims to strike a balance that benefits both students and the country.

Continued Efforts and Recent Measures

Quick facts:

• In the coming months, efforts will continue to provide clear pathways to permanent residence for students with in-demand skills.
• Recent measures include updating the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants and enhancing the verification process for letters of acceptance.
• Targeted pilots in 2024 will focus on assisting underrepresented cohorts of international students pursuing studies in Canada.

To better understand these reforms and to map out your own strategy for studying abroad, please connect with an MWT Education Consultancy counsellor today!