Canada Implements Cap on International Study Permits Applications for 2 years

Canada has introduced a cap on international study permits as part of its efforts to maintain stable economic, social, and cultural growth and address challenges in the international student system. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, leads the government's initiative, setting a cap on new international student permits for a two-year period.

Study Permit Cap for 2024 In 2024, the cap is established at approximately 360,000 permits, indicating a decrease from the previous year. To ensure fairness, provincial and territorial caps have been determined based on population, resulting in more substantial reductions in areas facing unsustainable growth.

Speaking about this measure, Canadian Immigration minister Marc Miller Said,

“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.”

Exemptions and Renewals Study permit renewals and individuals pursuing master's and doctoral degrees, as well as elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the cap. This exemption aims to minimize the impact on current permit holders.

Attestation Letters Required Provinces and territories will be allocated a portion of the cap, and attestation letters will be mandatory for every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) starting from January 22, 2024. Provinces and territories are expected to establish attestation letter issuance processes by March 31, 2024.

These interim measures will be effective for a duration of two years, and a reassessment of new study permit applications for 2025 will be conducted at the conclusion of this period. The government pledges to collaborate with provinces, territories, educational institutions, and stakeholders in the education sector to forge a sustainable trajectory for international students. This includes the development of a recognized institution framework and the identification of long-term sustainable student levels.