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In a recent announcement by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, the Canadian government is implementing significant changes to the international student permit system. Aimed at stabilizing growth and addressing challenges posed by rapid increases in recent years, these measures underscore Canada's commitment to ensuring the integrity of its immigration system while providing a supportive environment for international students.
Cap on International Student Permits:
Starting from 2024, the government will set an intake cap on international student permit applications, limiting the number to approximately 360,000. This represents a 35% decrease from the previous year. The move is driven by concerns over some institutions exploiting the system for financial gains and the strain placed on essential services like housing and healthcare due to the influx of students.
Provincial and Territorial Caps:
To ensure fairness, individual provincial and territorial caps have been established, weighted by population. This will result in more significant decreases in provinces experiencing unsustainable growth. It's important to note that study permit renewals will not be affected, and those pursuing master's and doctoral degrees, as well as elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the cap.
Implementation of Cap and Attestation Letters:
The cap will be implemented through an allocation process where each province and territory will receive a portion of the cap, which they will then distribute among their designated learning institutions. Effective January 22, 2024, every study permit application must include an attestation letter from the respective province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing attestation letters by March 31, 2024.
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit Program:
To align the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, eligibility criteria will be adjusted starting September 1, 2024. International students in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. Additionally, graduates of master's and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit, providing them with more time to gain valuable work experience.
Open Work Permits for Spouses:
In a move to streamline open work permits, spouses of international students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs will remain eligible. However, spouses of students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer qualify.
Conclusion:
These measures, in conjunction with recent reforms to the International Student Program, reflect Canada's commitment to providing genuine students with the support they need for a rewarding academic experience. By striking a balance between protecting the system from abuse and ensuring students' success, the government aims to create a sustainable path forward for international students while addressing concerns related to housing, healthcare, and other essential services. As these changes unfold, Canada remains dedicated to refining its immigration policies for the benefit of both students and the nation as a whole.
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