In a significant move, the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the implementation of a temporary two-year cap on the issuance of new international student permits. This decision, effective from January 22, 2024, aims to manage the surging numbers of international students in Canada, which have tripled over the past decade. To facilitate this cap, every study permit application will now require an attestation letter from the respective province or territory, marking a 35% decrease to 360,000 new approvals in 2024 compared to the previous year.
Alongside, the government introduced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, affecting the eligibility criteria for certain students and imposing restrictions on the work permit availability for spouses of study permit holders. These updates aim to tighten the oversight on the burgeoning curriculum licensing arrangements and align international student influx with Canada's broader immigration and economic goals.
A Closer Look at the Changes
Cap on New International Student Permits
The cap's allocation among provinces and territories will be population-based, directly impacting the available spots for authorized post-secondary institutions within each jurisdiction. Exemptions to the cap include current study permit holders seeking renewal, and students at the primary, secondary, or master’s and PhD levels. This measure intends to streamline the growing number of study permit applications, which exceeded one million in 2023, by introducing a more selective process.
Restrictions and Guidelines for PGWP and Spouses of Students
Significant adjustments to the PGWP program include the exclusion of students in curriculum licensing arrangements from PGWP eligibility, starting September 1, 2024. Moreover, effective March 19, 2024, open work permits for spouses of international students will be limited to those enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and certain professional degree programs. This shift reflects concerns over the oversight of curriculum licensing programs and aims to prioritize work permit eligibility for spouses in more advanced study levels.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
Alongside, the government introduced changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program, affecting the eligibility criteria for certain students and imposing restrictions on the work permit availability for spouses of study permit holders. These updates aim to tighten the oversight on the burgeoning curriculum licensing arrangements and align international student influx with Canada's broader immigration and economic goals.
A Closer Look at the Changes
Cap on New International Student Permits
The cap's allocation among provinces and territories will be population-based, directly impacting the available spots for authorized post-secondary institutions within each jurisdiction. Exemptions to the cap include current study permit holders seeking renewal, and students at the primary, secondary, or master’s and PhD levels. This measure intends to streamline the growing number of study permit applications, which exceeded one million in 2023, by introducing a more selective process.
Restrictions and Guidelines for PGWP and Spouses of Students
Significant adjustments to the PGWP program include the exclusion of students in curriculum licensing arrangements from PGWP eligibility, starting September 1, 2024. Moreover, effective March 19, 2024, open work permits for spouses of international students will be limited to those enrolled in master’s, doctoral, and certain professional degree programs. This shift reflects concerns over the oversight of curriculum licensing programs and aims to prioritize work permit eligibility for spouses in more advanced study levels.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Enhanced Integrity of Student Programs: The cap and new guidelines aim to improve the overall quality and support provided to international students in Canada.
- Balanced Immigration Growth: These measures align with Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan, ensuring sustainable growth in student immigration that complements economic and infrastructure capacities.
- Extended PGWP Validity: Graduates of master’s and doctoral programs benefit from extended work permit validity, providing a broader pathway to permanent residency.
- Reduced Opportunities for Prospective Students: The cap significantly limits new international students' chances to study in Canada, affecting both students and educational institutions.
- Restrictive Work Permit Conditions: Tightened eligibility for work permits, particularly for spouses of students, may discourage international students from choosing Canada as their study destination.
- Complex Application Process: The requirement of an attestation letter introduces additional bureaucratic hurdles, potentially delaying or complicating the application process for many.
