Navigating the Changes: Canada’s Commitment to International Students in 2024

Canada is taking bold steps to manage the influx of international students and address challenges affecting the system. Here’s a breakdown of the key measures announced by the Government of Canada:

1. Intake Cap Initiative: In a bid to manage rapid growth and ease pressures on housing and services, the government is introducing a two-year cap on international student permit applications. The target for 2024 is to approve approximately 360,000 study permits, reflecting a 35% reduction from the previous year.


2. Fair Provincial and Territorial Caps: To ensure fairness, individual caps, weighted by population, are set for provinces and territories. This means more significant decreases will be applied in regions experiencing unsustainable growth in the international student population.


3. Exclusions and Protections: Certain categories, including those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the cap. Study permit renewals and current holders are not impacted, emphasizing the commitment to protecting existing students.


4. Attestation Letter Requirement: Commencing January 22, 2024, each study permit application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must be accompanied by an attestation letter from a province or territory. This move enhances the verification process and ensures genuine applications.


5. Temporary Measures for a Sustainable Future: The announced measures are temporary, spanning two years, with a reassessment in 2025. During this period, collaboration with provinces, territories, and education stakeholders will shape a sustainable path forward for international students.


6. Post-Graduation Work Permit Program Enhancements: Changes include the exclusion of students in curriculum licensing arrangements from eligibility. Graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit, fostering better opportunities for gaining work experience.


7. Spousal Work Permit Adjustments: Open work permits will be exclusive to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs, aligning with the commitment to balance support with control.


8. Harmonizing with Reforms: These measures complement recent reforms in the International Student Program, ensuring genuine students receive essential support for a fulfilling study experience while stabilizing overall student numbers in Canada.

The Canadian government emphasizes the vital role of international students and is committed to safeguarding the immigration system’s integrity. These measures, part of a broader effort, aim to create a sustainable and supportive environment for international students in Canada.