IRCC announces major changes in admission of international students; Here’s what’s new

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently introduced significant changes affecting the admission of international students, which mark a notable shift in policy for the upcoming years.
These changes represent a significant shift in Canada’s approach to managing its international student program, aiming to balance the needs and integrity of the system with the benefits that international students bring to the country.

Cap on International Student Admissions: One of the major alterations is the introduction of a temporary cap on the number of international students issued with study visas. For the year 2024, this cap is set to result in about 360,000 approved study permits, marking a 35% decrease from 2023. This measure is introduced to stabilize new growth and is expected to be a two-year measure, subject to reassessment at the end of 2024.

Provincial and Territorial Caps: Accompanying the overall cap, IRCC has also implemented individual caps for each province and territory, based on population. This approach aims to address the uneven growth of international student populations across different regions, with more significant reductions expected in provinces experiencing the most unsustainable growth.

Exemptions and Renewals: Importantly, these caps will not affect current study permit holders or those seeking renewals. Additionally, the caps exclude students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.

Attestation Letter Requirement: From January 22, 2024, every study permit application will require an attestation letter from the respective province or territory. This new procedure is expected to be operational by March 31, 2024.

Changes in Post-Graduation Work Permit Eligibility: IRCC has revised the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Beginning September 2024, international students enrolled in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for the PGWP. This decision targets programs where students attend private colleges licensed to deliver curriculum from associated public colleges, a practice that has raised concerns over oversight and quality.