The Canadian government has recently implemented a cap on international study permit applications for a period of two years, aiming to stabilize the influx of international students into the country. However, it’s important to note that this cap does not apply to those seeking secondary education, emphasizing the government’s recognition of the importance of education at this level.
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), international students play a vital role in enriching Canada’s communities and contributing to its social, cultural, and economic landscape. In response to concerns about the integrity of the international student system, measures have been put in place to safeguard international students from potential exploitation and to ensure sustainable population growth in Canada. This move by the government aims to stabilize the number of international students entering the country.
Minister Marc Miller has announced that the intake cap for international student permit applications will be set to stabilize new growth for the next two years. For the year 2024, it’s anticipated that approximately 360,000 study permits will be approved, representing a decrease of 35% from the previous year. To ensure fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, taking population size into account, with more significant reductions expected in provinces where international student growth has been deemed unsustainable. It’s important to highlight that this cap does not affect study permit renewals or those pursuing secondary education. Existing study permit holders will also remain unaffected by these changes.