Ottawa, January 22, 2024: Canada’s international student program is undergoing significant changes, prioritizing quality and sustainability while addressing concerns about system integrity and resource pressures. Here’s a summary of the key announcements:
Intake Cap:
- Temporary two-year cap on new international student permits, reducing 2024 intake by 35% compared to 2023.
- Individual provincial/territorial caps to address uneven growth.
- Study permit renewals and higher education levels are unaffected.
Ensuring Student Success:
- Attestation letters from provinces/territories are required for applications, starting March 31, 2024.
- Curriculum licensing loophole closed: ineligible for post-graduation work permits.
- 3-year work permits for master’s graduates to boost career prospects.
- Open work permits are restricted to spouses of master’s/doctoral students.
Protecting the System:
- Combating fraud and exploitation: stronger verification processes and cost-of-living adjustments.
- Targeted pilot programs for underrepresented cohorts.
Quote:
“International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case. Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.” – Minister Marc Miller, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Additional Information:
- Ongoing work to facilitate permanent residence pathways for skilled students.
- Continued collaboration with provinces/territories and stakeholders.
Overall, these reforms aim to ensure a more sustainable and enriching international student experience while safeguarding Canada’s interests. The focus is on quality, student success, and system integrity.
Please note: This is a concise summary of the original news release. For full details, please refer to the official government website.
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