As per The Globe and Mail, Over 1 million people hold a valid Canadian study permit, based on official data from IRCC. At the close of December, the reported figure stood at 1,028,850 students. Explore the growth and significance of this thriving community, where over 1 million individuals currently hold a valid Canadian study permit.
526,015 international students in Ontario, 202,565 in British Columbia, and 117,925 in Quebec are the provinces with the greatest number of designated learning institutions (DLIs), according to the reported numbers.
In an interview with News on January 14, Immigration Minister Marc Miller ascribed the high number of foreign students to certain provinces’ lax DLI policies. He said that in order to “curb” the rising number of DLIs, regional governments should interact with them.
Canada admitted 807,260 foreign students in 2022, and the minister anticipated surpassing 900,000 by the end of 2023. The Globe and Mail, however, stated that 1,015,744 people with valid study permits in Canada had achieved this milestone by September 2023.
The idea of capping study licenses for foreign students was first floated last summer. Moreover, the need to address housing shortages and lessen the burden on the healthcare system has resulted in increased pressure on the federal government. Restricting admission, according to the IRCC, is essential to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s system for international students. This action is deemed necessary as some universities have increased enrollment of overseas students solely for financial gain, neglecting the crucial support students require.
Canada unveils a limit on the number of international students for the year 2024
The minister confirmed on January 22 that the IRCC will only issue 360,000 study permits in 2024, indicating a projected 35% decrease in the number of international students studying in Canada. This cap does not include permit renewals and excludes students enrolled in post-graduate studies (PhD, master’s, etc.).
The allocation of permits to provinces will be based on population, granting larger provinces more permits. The duration of this interim remedy is two years.
The announcement brought more modifications to Canada’s program for foreign students. Notably, candidates now need to get a letter of attestation from the appropriate province or territory authority following the receipt of a letter of acceptance (LOA). The deadline for provincial and territorial governments to set up a procedure for issuing these letters is March 31, 2024. Until then, fresh study permit issuance may be suspended.
Revisions to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Eligibility
Additionally, the IRCC has changed some qualifying requirements for foreign students who are thinking about completing their academic program and intend to remain in Canada with a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
PGWPs are no longer available to students enrolled in courses at private institutions via a curriculum licensing arrangement with a public college.
On the other hand, foreign students who successfully complete graduate-level programs in less time than eight months—the minimum duration required for qualifying under the PGWP in Canada—are now qualified to apply for a PGWP.
Lastly, IRCC announced that spouses of undergraduate students will no longer qualify for Spousal Open Work Permits.
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