In a significant development, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced the implementation of a temporary cap on the number of study permits issued to international students. This move comes as a response to the unsustainable growth of the international student population in Canada.
The cap for 2024 is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, marking a 35% decrease from the previous year. Furthermore, IRCC will be introducing caps for each province and territory, weighted by population, to address the disproportionate growth in certain regions.
Let's learn the full story in details:
Temporary Cap on Study Permits
IRCC's decision to introduce a temporary cap on study permits aims to address the challenges posed by the rapid increase in the international student population. The department recognizes the importance of international students to Canada and seeks to ensure that they have access to the necessary resources for a fulfilling academic experience.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, emphasized the need to strike a balance between maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and setting students up for success.The temporary cap will not affect current study permit holders or those seeking permit renewals.
Additionally, it does not apply to students pursuing masters and doctoral degrees. IRCC's intention is to reassess the cap in 2025, considering the evolving landscape and the impact of the measures implemented.
Provincial and Territorial Caps
To address the unsustainable growth in specific provinces and territories, IRCC will be implementing caps weighted by population. This strategic move aims to alleviate the pressure on regions that have experienced a significant influx of international students. By introducing these caps, IRCC aims to ensure a more balanced distribution of international students across the country.
Changes to Eligibility Criteria for Post Graduation Work Permits
In addition to the study permit caps, IRCC has also announced changes to the eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Starting from September 2024, international students enrolled in study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This decision addresses concerns about oversight in private colleges compared to public institutions.
On a positive note, IRCC has introduced a significant change for graduates from masters programs and other short graduate-level programs. These individuals will now be able to apply for a 3-year work permit, providing them with a greater opportunity to gain Canadian work experience and eventually transition to permanent residency. This adjustment addresses the limitation faced by masters students under the current criteria, which ties the duration of the PGWP to the length of the study program.
Impact on Spouses of International Students
IRCC will also be releasing more details in the coming weeks regarding open work permits for the spouses of international students. However, it is important to note that these open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs. Spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible for open work permits.
Challenges to System Integrity
The decision to implement these measures stems from concerns about the integrity of the immigration system. Minister Miller has highlighted the challenges posed by the increasing number of international students in Canada. He expressed concerns about certain institutions admitting students without providing the promised education, leading to a disparity between expectations and reality. Additionally, the surge in international student numbers has put strain on housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
Ensuring Adequate Support for International Students
IRCC's recent release acknowledges that some institutions have significantly increased their student intakes for financial gains, resulting in students arriving without the necessary support systems in place. The department recognizes the need to ensure that international students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. By implementing the temporary cap and introducing attestation letters from provinces and territories, IRCC aims to address these concerns and ensure that international students receive the support they require.
To Sum Up
The implementation of a temporary cap on study permits for international students in Canada is a significant step towards maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and addressing the challenges posed by the rapid increase in the international student population. IRCC's decision to introduce caps weighted by population aims to create a more balanced distribution of international students across the country.
Furthermore, changes to the eligibility criteria for the Post Graduation Work Permit will provide greater opportunities for graduates from masters programs and other short graduate-level programs. These measures, combined with a focus on ensuring adequate support for international students, demonstrate IRCC's commitment to creating a sustainable and enriching academic experience for all.
