Study Permit revolution| Two-year cap aims for a 35% reduction

Canada limits new study permits and expects a 35% reduction

In a move to manage the surge in international student enrollment and tighten integrity controls, Canada announced on January 22, 2024, the establishment of a temporary, two-year cap on new the study permit. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed that the cap is set at approximately 364,000 study permits, signaling a potential 35% overall reduction in new study visas for 2024. Certain provinces may experience even steeper declines.

Canada surpasses one million international students, 37% from India

The decision comes on the heels of a milestone where the number of international students holding study permits in Canada surpassed one million last year. Notably, 37% of these students hailed from India, forming the largest national cohort.

Minister Miller ensures quality education

Minister Miller stressed that these measures aim to ensure incoming international students receive the promised quality of education and support. In his statement, Minister Marc Miller emphasized that permitting bad actors to persist in their operations would constitute a disservice to all reputable institutions that take pride in delivering a top-tier academic experience.

Canada caps study permits to address housing and system challenges

The cap is part of a series of recent measures by the Canadian government to address challenges in the student visa program, particularly concerning housing demand and system management. Minister Miller explained that the cap allocation is based on provincial populations, with some provinces facing significant reductions, potentially exceeding 50%.

Canadian study permit changes exclude grad programs and In-Canada applicants

Effective immediately, applicants must provide a provincial attestation along with their study permit application. However, Minister Miller clarified that the cap won’t apply to graduate-level programs, including master’s or doctoral studies. Elementary and secondary school-level study permit applications are also exempt. Importantly, the cap won’t affect applicants within Canada seeking study extensions or current study permit holders in the country. These exemptions aim to maintain flexibility for those already pursuing education in Canada.