The Ontario government is making significant changes to its approach to international students in response to a federal cap on study permit applications. The new measures prioritize programs that address critical skills shortages in the province’s labour market – Post-Graduation Work Permit Ontario.
“We’re ensuring the integrity of Ontario’s post-secondary education system by attracting talented international students to study in areas that are crucial to our economic growth,” declared Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities. “We’ve been collaborating with institutions to make sure international students are enrolled in programs that create a pipeline of skilled graduates to meet labour market demands.”
Post-graduation work permit Ontario
Prioritizing Public Institutions and High-Demand Fields
The policy shift allocates 96% of study permit applications to publicly funded colleges and universities. The remaining 4% is designated for language schools, private universities, and other institutions. Notably, career colleges will no longer be eligible to receive applications.
Allocation of Post-graduation work permit Ontario
Allocations will be based on several criteria:
- Focus on high-demand areas: Skilled trades, healthcare professions, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields, hospitality, and childcare will be prioritized.
- Maintaining application levels: Institutions cannot exceed the number of permits issued in 2023.
- International student ratio cap: As a final safeguard, the number of international students with permits cannot surpass 55% (excluding high-demand fields) of the institution’s first-year domestic enrolment in 2023.
French language programs will also receive preferential treatment, reflecting the growing demand for workers with French language skills. The government will collaborate with colleges and universities to assist them in establishing and transitioning to programs that align with labour market needs and fuel Ontario’s economic engine.
Also see: How to Find Part-Time Jobs in Mississauga as a Canadore College Student (Stanford Campus)
Supporting International Student Experience
International students applying to study in Ontario typically require a provincial letter of attestation included with their study permit application. This document verifies that the applicant is accounted for within the federal government’s established allocation limits. Students can acquire this letter by contacting the admissions office at their chosen Ontario post-secondary institution. Additional information is available on the Ministry’s website.
The government is committed to protecting international students and ensuring a positive and rewarding educational experience in Ontario. Initiatives include:
- Guaranteed housing options: Requiring all publicly funded colleges and universities to ensure housing availability for incoming international students.
- Mental health investments: Over $32 million was dedicated in 2023-24 to support the mental health of all postsecondary students, including funding directly allocated to institutions through various grants.
- Enhanced student experience: The Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, 2024, if passed, aims to improve the student experience by implementing additional measures to support mental health, create safe and inclusive campuses, and increase fee transparency, benefiting all students, including international students.
Post-Graduation Work Permit Ontario Eligibility
International students who graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada are eligible to apply for a post-graduation work permit. Ontario approves DLIs under the joint provincial-federal International Student Program. DLIs are authorized to enrol international students in programs lasting six months or longer, provided they have a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
However, a change implemented by the federal government in January 2024 impacts eligibility for some students. Starting May 15, 2024, international students enrolled in programs offered by publicly funded colleges through private partners will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit.
Quick Facts
- In January 2024, IRCC announced modifications to the International Student Program for 2024 and 2025, including a cap on study permits issued to international students (excluding K-12, Master’s, and doctoral programs).
- Applications will be maintained at 2023 levels for 22 out of 23 universities. Only Algoma University will experience a decrease.
- Among colleges, 11 will maintain 2023 application levels. Colleges with public-private partnerships and Conestoga College will face the most significant reductions.
