The new policy led by IRCC addresses growing pressures on Canada’s housing and healthcare systems which are purportedly due to the influx of students.
The new policy led by IRCC addresses growing pressures on Canada’s housing and healthcare systems which are purportedly due to the influx of students.
With Canada’s two-year plan to limit the number of international students admitted into the country, the agency Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to reduce study permit approvals by approximately 35 percent, capping them at approximately 360,000 in 2024. This decision represents a marked deviation from the previous trend, where Canada witnessed an exponential growth in international student numbers, reaching over 800,000 in 2022.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized the dual importance of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and ensuring its sustainability. The new policy includes province and territory-specific caps, based on their populations, to address the uneven distribution of international students across the country.
Policy details, exemptions
Notably, this new directive comes with specific exemptions. Current permit holders, those applying for renewals, and students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees are not subject to these caps. This approach reflects Canada’s commitment to supporting higher-level academic pursuits while balancing the broader impacts of its immigration policies.
Starting in January, study permit applications must include an attestation letter from the respective province or territory. The processes for the issuance of these letters must be set by Mar. 31. Furthermore, a reassessment of this policy is scheduled for 2025, suggesting a commitment to adaptive and responsive immigration management.
Changes to work permit programs
The IRCC also announced alterations to the Post Graduation Work Permit program. Effective September, students enrolled in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will be ineligible for PGWP. This change is particularly significant for students in private colleges and is a move to address oversight issues. Conversely, graduates from master’s and short graduate programs will now be eligible for a three-year work permit.
Further updates are expected regarding open work permits for spouses of master’s and doctoral students, limiting these permits to those pursuing higher levels of study.
These policy changes come amid growing pressures on Canada’s housing and healthcare systems. The rapid influx of international students has reportedly been a contributing factor to the housing crisis, with average home prices and rents soaring. The national housing agency estimates a need for 3.5 million new housing units by 2030 to restore affordability.
Balancing education quality, economic impact
While these measures aim to protect international students from under-resourced institutions and ensure a high standard of education, Universities Canada expressed concerns over the potential negative impacts on the education system. The organization worries about deterring international students from choosing Canada, which could affect the richness and financial stability of Canadian universities.
In response to these challenges, Ottawa is increasing the financial requirements for international students, doubling the proof of funds needed for a study visa. This measure aims to ensure students are financially prepared for Canada’s rising cost of living.
Despite the new restrictions, Canada’s aggressive immigration strategy remains a key component of its demographic and economic planning. The country plans to welcome a staggering 1.4 million new permanent residents over three years. International students, many of whom seek permanent residency through programs like the Express Entry’s Canada Experience Class Program, contribute significantly to Canada’s cultural, social, and economic fabric.
