Canada’s New Measures Aim to Stabilize International Student Growth and Enhance Program Integrity
Canada has recently unveiled significant measures to stabilize the growth of international student permits and fortify the integrity of the program. The announcement comes amid concerns about the rapid increase in the number of international students, potential abuse of the system, and the strain on various essential services. The measures, introduced by The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, are designed to strike a balance between supporting genuine students and preventing misuse of the system.
Key Points:
1. Intake Cap and Provincial Allocations:
- The government will implement a cap on international student permit applications for a two-year period, beginning in 2024.
- The cap is set at approximately 360,000 approved study permits, representing a 35% decrease from 2023.
- Provincial and territorial caps, weighted by population, have been established to address unsustainable growth in specific regions.
- Study permit renewals and certain academic categories, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, are excluded from the cap.
2. Allocation Process:
- IRCC will allocate a portion of the cap to each province and territory.
- Provinces and territories will distribute their allocations among designated learning institutions.
- Starting January 22, 2024, every study permit application will require an attestation letter from a province or territory, ensuring a controlled approach.
3. Duration and Reassessment:
- The temporary measures will be in effect for two years.
- The number of new study permit applications accepted in 2025 will be re-evaluated at the end of the year.
4. PGWP Program Changes:
- Changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program include altered eligibility criteria.
- Starting September 1, 2024, international students in curriculum licensing arrangements won’t be eligible for a PGWP.
- Graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit.
5. Spousal Work Permits:
- Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
6. Supporting Genuine Students:
- The measures aim to ensure that genuine students receive the necessary support and resources for a fulfilling academic experience in Canada.
- Reforms focus on preventing abuse of the system and maintaining the overall well-being of students.
- Canada’s decision to implement these measures underscores a dedication to striking a balance between reaping the advantages of having international students and safeguarding the integrity of the system and crucial services. The government’s proactive stance is directed at tackling pressing issues such as housing strains, healthcare needs, and the potential misuse of the international student program. As the two-year measures progress, continuous collaboration with provinces, territories, and education stakeholders will play a pivotal role in charting a sustainable trajectory for international students in Canada.
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