IRCC announces its methodology for determining the 2024 study permit allocation for all Canadian provinces. This statement emphasizes justice and transparency by illuminating the complex procedure used to provide study permits. A key component of Canada’s immigration policy is the distribution of study permits, which reflects the nation’s dedication to accepting international students from a variety of backgrounds.
Following the notification on January 22 about the imposition of a cap on the processing of applications for study permits, the IRCC released additional information outlining the allocation of quotas of study permits for foreign students to each province in accordance with its population.
Today, Immigration Minister Marc Miller released the final distribution of study permits for each province as well as providing more details on the IRCC’s process for calculating these numbers.
Study Permit Allocation – Understanding Distribution Methodology
The authorities allocated study permit application quotas to the provinces and territories based on their respective populations. The government did concede, though, that there would be disparities from this simple form of allocation, with certain locations possibly witnessing a rise in foreign enrollment over the prior year, while others might see a fall.
The IRCC ensured fair distribution by adjusting allocations for provinces anticipated to receive fewer study permits to offset any negative effects. To preserve equilibrium, authorities limited allocations for provinces expecting a higher number of international students in 2024 to 10% of the total population.
Additionally, the department increased funding for provinces with an approval rate of less than 60% to help them reach their target for the quantity of study permits authorized.
Ontario Secures Largest Study Permit Allocation
With 235,000 study permits issued, Ontario has received the most of any province. The most populous province in Canada, with 530 designated learning institutions (DLIs) included in official records kept by the IRCC. Recent disclosures reveal that a startling 96% of Ontario’s study permit allotment will go toward public colleges and universities, severely restricting overseas students’ options at private universities. Other provinces have also received significant funds. After considering authorized permits and population, authorities have allotted Quebec 117,917 study permits.
British Columbia revealed in March that it had allotted 83,000 study licenses, almost evenly splitting them between public and private universities. With an allocation ceiling of 10%, authorities allocated Alberta a total of 40,894 study permits, despite accounting for 11.67% of Canada’s population.
Nova Scotia initially allocated 12,900 research permits. But according to current IRCC data, the province received a total of 20,378 study permits, indicating an increase of 7,472 permits.
Here are the ultimate allocations for every province and territory:
- Alberta: Initially allocated 40,894 study permits, with 24,537 projected approvals; experienced a 10% increase from 2023, no top-up provided, revised allocation remains the same.
- British Columbia: The initial allocation consisted of 83,000 study permits, with 49,800 projected approvals, reflecting an 18% decrease from 2023. Despite this decrease, no top-up was provided, and the allocation remains unchanged.
- Manitoba: Initially, authorities allocated 15,233 study permits, projecting 9,140 approvals, indicating a 10% decrease from 2023. However, upon receiving a top-up of 3,420 permits, authorities revised the allocation to 18,652 permits.
- New Brunswick: Initially, authorities allocated 9,279 study permits, projecting 5,567 approvals, indicating a 10% decrease from 2023. Upon receiving a top-up of 5,372 permits, authorities revised the allocation to 14,651 permits.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Authorities initially allocated 2,365 study permits, projecting 1,419 approvals, reflecting a 10% increase from 2023. After receiving a top-up of 788 permits, authorities revised the allocation to 3,153 permits.
- Northwest Territories: The initial allocation of 333 study permits projected 200 approvals, marking a staggering 4900% increase from 2023. However, no top-up was provided, and the allocation remains the same.
- Nova Scotia: The initial allocation comprised 12,906 study permits, projecting 7,744 approvals, indicating a 10% decrease from 2023. Upon receiving a top-up of 7,472 permits, authorities revised the allocation to 20,378 permits.
- Nunavut: The initial allocation included 333 study permits, with 200 projected approvals, reflecting a staggering 6567% increase from 2023. Despite this significant surge, no top-up was provided, and the allocation remains unchanged.
- Ontario: The initial allocation consisted of 235,000 study permits, anticipating 141,000 approvals, indicating a 41% decrease from 2023. No top-up was provided, and the allocation remains unchanged.
- Prince Edward Island: The initial allocation comprised 2,004 study permits, projecting 1,202 approvals, showing a 10% decrease from 2023. Following a top-up of 308 permits, the allocation was revised to 2,312 permits.
- Quebec: Initially, 72,716 study permits were allocated, with a projected approval of 43,629, reflecting a 10% increase from 2023. Following a top-up of 45,202 permits, the revised allocation now stands at 117,917 permits.
- Saskatchewan: Initially, 12,043 study permits were allocated, with a projected approval of 7,226, representing a modest 10% increase from 2023. Following a top-up of 3,011 permits, the revised allocation now stands at 15,054 permits.
- Yukon: Authorities initially allocated 417 study permits, with a projected approval of 250, indicating a significant 205% increase from 2023. Despite this surge, no top-up was provided, and the allocation remains unchanged.
- Total: Initially, 486,523 study permits were allocated, with a projected approval of 291,914, marking a 28% decrease from 2023. Subsequently, an additional 65,572 permits were provided, resulting in a revised total allocation of 552,095 permits.
IRCC Implements Cap on Study Permits Processed, Not Issued
In recent weeks, the immigration minister has emphasized that the IRCC lacks the authority to regulate the number of approved study permits. Control over the issuance of study permits does not fall within the IRCC’s jurisdiction, as highlighted by the minister. Alternatively, the department may set a cap on how many applications for study permits it would accept.
The IRCC determines the anticipated cap for study permits awarded by assessing the number of applications it intends to handle. This calculation is based on a 60% national approval rate. The department anticipates processing 606,000 applications in this scenario.
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