Canada Anticipates Issuing 360,000 Canada Study Permit in 2024

Canada has announced its intention to issue approximately 360,000 Canada study permit to international students in 2024, marking a deliberate move to regulate the influx of students into the country. This cap, disclosed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), underscores efforts to manage the entry of international students effectively.

The number of foreign students in Canada surged from over 800,000 in 2022 to more than 900,000 in 2023, reflecting a significant rise in enrollment rates.

Minister Marc Miller emphasized the critical balance between maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and ensuring a positive academic experience for international students. This necessitates dialogues between provincial governments and Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to address concerns about the current DLI framework.

Each province and territory will set study permit caps based on their population to curtail unsustainable increases in student numbers.

Effective January 22, 2024, study visa applicants must provide an attestation letter from their respective province or territory. Procedures for issuing these letters must be established by March 31, 2024, with a scheduled review of quotas in 2025.

Existing Canada study permit holders and those renewing permits, along with master’s and doctorate degree holders, are exempt from these restrictions.

IRCC has introduced modifications to the Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria. Notably, international students enrolled in academic programs covered by curriculum licensing agreements won’t qualify for PGWP starting September 2024. However, graduates of master’s programs and shorter graduate-level programs can now apply for a three-year work permit. Spouses of master’s and doctorate program enrollees are eligible for open work permits, whereas those in lower education levels are not.

IRCC has also made additional changes to the international student program, including a threefold increase in the cost-of-living for international students. A Trusted Framework Agreement with DLIs is anticipated to expedite study permit processing at qualified universities for the 2024 academic year.

For comprehensive guidance on Canada immigration, consult Eurostudys, leading overseas immigration company.