Canada's 2024 Immigration Update: New Caps on Study Permits and PGWP Program Changes
Important Updates on Canada’s Study Permit Program and PGWP for International Students in 2024
Overseas Immigration brings you the latest updates from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) concerning the study permit program for international students. In a significant development for 2024, IRCC has decided to implement a temporary cap on the number of study visas issued to international students. According to an IRCC release, the cap is set to approximately 360,000 approved study permits for 2024, marking a 35% decrease compared to the previous year.
Provincial Caps and Their Impact
This year, IRCC introduces a new approach with caps allocated for each Canadian province and territory. The caps, designed in proportion to the population of each region, are expected to substantially reduce the number of international students in provinces experiencing rapid growth in this sector. It’s important to note, however, that these caps will not affect current study permit holders or those applying for renewals, and they exclude students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs.
Attestation Letters: A New Requirement
Starting from January 22, 2024, every study permit application must include an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. This new requirement is expected to be fully operational by March 31, 2024. IRCC plans to reassess this cap in 2025, indicating a potential for future adjustments.
Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program Changes
Changes are also underway in the PGWP program. From September 2024, international students enrolled in programs under curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer qualify for the PGWP. This decision addresses concerns about the lesser oversight of private colleges that operate under these arrangements. In contrast, international graduates from master’s or other short graduate programs will now be eligible for a 3-year work permit, enhancing their opportunities for Canadian work experience and eventual permanent residency.
Spousal Work Permits: An Upcoming Shift
IRCC is also set to reveal more details on open work permits for spouses of international students. These permits will be exclusively available to spouses of students in master’s and doctoral programs, a change from the current policy that includes spouses of students at all study levels.
Addressing Challenges to System Integrity
This strategic shift in policy follows concerns expressed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller about maintaining the integrity of Canada’s education system. The minister highlighted issues like over-enrollment and inadequate student support, which have implications for housing, healthcare, and other services in Canada.
A Snapshot of International Student Numbers
Canada welcomed over 800,000 international students in 2022, with projections indicating a rise to over 900,000 in 2023. These figures underscore the popularity of Canadian education among international students but also highlight the challenges of managing such a large influx.
Additional Measures for Better Preparation
December 2023 saw IRCC increasing the cost-of-living requirement for international students from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635, aiming to better prepare students for life in Canada. Moreover, a Trusted Framework Agreement with designated learning institutions (DLIs) is expected to be in place for the 2024 academic season, leading to expedited processing for study permits for eligible institutions.