Dreams of studying in Canada might be put on hold for many international students in 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recently announced a temporary cap on new international student permits, which has sent shockwaves through the education and immigration sectors.
What Does the Cap Mean?
The new policy, effective January 22nd, 2024, limits the number of approved study permits to approximately 364,000 for the year, a 35% decrease from 2023. This represents a significant shift from Canada’s previous open-door policy towards international students.
Why the Cap?
The government cites several reasons for the cap, including:
- Addressing housing affordability concerns: The rapid influx of international students has contributed to Canada’s housing crisis, making it difficult for both students and Canadian residents to find affordable accommodation.
- Ensuring quality education: With a growing number of students, the government wants to ensure Canadian institutions have the resources to provide a high-quality education for all students.
- Prioritizing integration: The cap aims to give international students a better chance of integrating into Canadian society and finding employment after graduation.
How are Students Impacted?
The cap will undoubtedly impact prospective international students who are hoping to study in Canada in 2024. The application process is likely to become more competitive, and some students may be denied visas altogether.
Current study permit holders and those pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees are exempt from the cap. However, the policy change may still create uncertainty for these students, as it could affect their future job prospects and immigration pathways.
What’s Next?
The cap is a temporary measure, and IRCC will reassess it in 2025. In the meantime, the government is encouraging provinces and territories to develop attestation letter programs. These programs will require international students to obtain a letter from the province or territory where they intend to study, confirming that they have secured housing and meet other requirements.
Reference:
