The Canadian federal government has recently released a set of regulations governing the distribution of study permits among provinces, introducing a cap system to manage the expansion of international student enrollment. Immigration Minister Marc Miller has highlighted that this cap, effective for a two-year duration, will depend on population figures.
In 2024, the required cap stands at approximately 364,000 new study permits, signifying a 35% reduction from the preceding year. However, certain provinces might notably experience a significant decrease, including Ontario, which might see a 50% decrease.
The government’s overall objective, as stated by the IRCC, is to revert to the international student enrollment levels witnessed in 2022, when Canada hosted 800,000 students. The IRCC believes that this figure represents a more sustainable equilibrium. However, the number of international students in 2021 stands at approximately 620,000. Presently, recent data indicates that the number has surpassed the one million mark.
To streamline the application process, the government has mandated applicants furnish provincial attestation along with their study permit applications. Additionally, commencing September 1, 2024, the postgraduate work permit will no longer be available to those attending public or private institutions. Nevertheless, an open work permit will remain accessible to spouses of students enrolled in masters and doctoral programmes, including those pursuing professional courses such as medicine and law.
Minister Miller has underscored the primary objective of eliminating fraudulent institutions to strengthen the integrity of the education system. Once comprehensive vetting and student support mechanisms are in place, Minister Miller argues that eliminating the need to impose a cap on international student numbers may be possible. Canadian employers retain access to a pool of highly skilled graduates through the extension of exemptions to master’s and Ph.D. students. Moreover, contemplation is underway regarding potential alterations to the duration of post-study work permits.
