Canada Immigration - International Study Permit

Recent announcements made by Canadian Immigration Minister, Marc Miller will see a significant reduction in approved study permits.  Amid growing concerns that the increasing number of international students within Canada has compromised the integrity of the international student system, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will be implementing several key temporary measures that will be in force for the next 2 years.

Most notably, the intake cap for approved study permits in 2024 will be set at approximately 360,000, representing a 35% decrease from the previous year.  These “caps” will be allocated to each province, weighed against population density and provinces most affected by the instability of the international student population growth.  In turn, each province will then distribute the allocations as deemed necessary to their designated learning institutions (DLI).  The caps on approved study permits are to be re-assessed for 2025 at the end of this year.  In addition to the cap, study permit applicants will also require an attestation letter from the province or territory to which they are applying.  Issuance of the attestation letters will follow a process that is expected to commence by March 31, 2024.  Applicants pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees along with current study permit holders and those seeking permit renewals will not be affected. 

IRCC has also changed the eligibility criteria for the issuance of the Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP).  Beginning September 1st, 2024, international students that take on studies with a DLI will no longer be eligible for a PGWP upon graduation.  Once again, graduates of graduate-level programs will not be affected and afforded with the opportunity to apply for a 3-year work permit.  Moreover, only spouses of those international students in master’s and doctoral programs will be eligible for an open work permit.

Ultimately, the introduction and implementation of these measures are expected to result in the positive reformation of the International Student Program, and in doing so, address the pressures of housing, health care and other public services in Canada. 

Author:

Alexander Chang

Paralegal & Immigration Consultant

achang@realtycarelaw.com