The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a cap on the number of international students entering the country for the next two years (Post Graduation Work Permits).
The IRCC, responsible for managing immigration and citizenship processes, aims to regulate the influx of students into Canada, impacting study permit approvals for 2024. Additionally, several policy changes have been introduced, affecting post-graduation work permits and open work permits for spouses.
Cap on International Students:
Commencing in 2024, Canada will enforce a cap on international student admissions, expecting around 360,000 approved study permits, representing a 35% reduction from the previous year.
This cap is designed to be distributed among provinces and territories, each with its own limit, which will be allocated to designated learning institutions within their jurisdictions. This measure aims to ensure a balanced distribution of international students across the country.
To implement this cap, starting January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to the IRCC will necessitate an attestation letter from the respective province or territory, endorsing the allocation of permits.
Changes in Post-Graduation Work Permits:
Starting September 1, 2024, a notable alteration in post-graduation work permits will take effect. International students entering study programs under curriculum licensing arrangements as part of private-public partnerships will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits upon completing their programs. This change reflects a shift in policy regarding certain collaborative educational initiatives.
On a positive note, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs can now apply for a 3-year work permit, providing increased opportunities for international students pursuing higher education in these specific programs.
Impact on Open Work Permits:
In the weeks ahead, open work permits will be limited to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Unfortunately, this privilege will no longer extend to spouses of students enrolled in diploma, PG Diploma, or graduate certificate programs, as the Canadian government refines its approach to work permits for the spouses of international students.
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Categories Unaffected:
Despite these changes, several categories remain unaffected. Study permit renewals will proceed without disruption, ensuring that existing students can continue their education seamlessly.
Current study permit holders are also exempt from the new regulations, allowing them to complete their studies without any unexpected impediments. Furthermore, individuals pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees remain outside the scope of the imposed cap, ensuring that those in advanced academic programs continue to contribute to Canada’s diverse learning landscape.
The recent updates from the IRCC reflect a concerted effort to manage and balance the entry of international students into Canada. While the cap introduces a degree of restriction, the government has also made adjustments to work permit eligibility, providing new opportunities for some graduates.
As these changes come into effect, stakeholders in Canada’s education sector will closely monitor their impact on the country’s international student community.
