Toronto 
Acknowledging the challenges posed by rapid student influx, such as strains on housing, healthcare, and other services, the federal government has introduced new regulations to maintain the integrity of Canada’s international student program.
The Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a two-year cap on international student permit applications and other measures for a sustainable program.
Here are the highlights of these measures, set for a two-year period, that aim to ensure a balanced intake of genuine students, providing them with adequate resources and support while mitigating pressures on Canadian services:
- Intake Cap Implementation: The Canadian government, led by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, is introducing a two-year cap on international student permits to control growth. The 2024 cap will reduce new study permits by 35%, down to approximately 360,000. This measure aims to balance the benefits of international students with the need for sustainable growth.
- Provincial and Territorial Quotas: Quotas for international student intake are being allocated on a provincial and territorial basis, relative to their population sizes. This approach is designed to more effectively manage growth in regions with disproportionately high numbers of international students.
- Exemptions and Renewals: The cap excludes students pursuing master’s, doctoral, and K-12 education, and does not affect existing permit holders or renewals. This ensures continuity for current students and those in advanced study programs.
- Attestation Letter Requirement: Starting January 22, 2024, all new study permit applications must include an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. This is part of the government’s strategy to ensure better management and distribution of international students across Canada.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Adjustments: Changes to work permit eligibility are being made. Students in curriculum licensing arrangements will be ineligible for post-graduation work permits from September 2024. However, graduates of master’s and short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit.
- Restrictions on Spousal Work Permits: The news release states, “In the weeks ahead, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.”
Previously announced measures:
- Increased Financial Requirements: Study permit applicants must demonstrate they have $20,635 (75% of the Low-Income Cut-Off or LICO), plus tuition and travel expenses. This requirement ensures students are financially prepared for life in Canada, with annual adjustments based on LICO updates.
- Temporary Extension of Work Hours: The waiver allowing international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus has been extended until April 30, 2024. This reflects the need of some students to work extra hours for their expenses, though the policy’s future, including a potential increase to 30 hours per week, is under review.
- Online Study Permit Flexibility: Students starting their programs before September 1, 2024, can still count online study towards their post-graduation work permit. This concession will end for students starting programs on or after that date, returning to pre-pandemic norms.
- End of Additional Work Permit Extension: The temporary policy granting an additional 18-month work permit to post-graduation work permit holders has ended. This reverts to the standard policy of only one post-graduation work permit per international graduate, affecting those whose permits expire in 2024.
- Enhanced Verification of Acceptance Letters: Since December 1, 2023, designated learning institutions are required to confirm acceptance letters with IRCC for study permit applications from outside Canada. This measure aims to prevent letter-of-acceptance fraud and ensure the authenticity of study permits.
The government plans to reassess the number of study permits for 2025 at the end of the year, while continuing collaborative efforts with various stakeholders to develop a long-term sustainable framework for international students in Canada.
