This equates to a 35% reduction in the number of study permits issued to new immigrants compared to 2023 levels.
This bold move will have a major impact on domestic stakeholders, especially universities that operate under curriculum licensing agreements with public universities. Because graduates of these universities do not have access to graduate employment programs. Program from September 2024.
Each state and territory is given limits that are weighted to reflect their population. The greatest impact will be in urban metropolitan areas, particularly the Greater Toronto Area. The government announcement noted that provincial proportional caps would “result in even more severe declines in provinces where international student populations are growing most unsustainably.”
The number of international students in Canada has increased significantly in recent years. In 2022, there were more than 800,000 foreign students living in Korea. This is almost a third more than the previous year.
The temporary cap, which aims to reduce student numbers to 2022 levels, will initially last for two years and excludes students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs. Current study permit holders are not affected.
Immigration Minister Mark Miller said: “It is unacceptable that some private institutions are taking advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, providing insufficient support for students and charging high tuition fees.” Monday press conference.
Ontario is expected to be the hardest hit, with student numbers expected to drop by up to 50 per cent, according to the minister.
From January 22, 2024, when the limit was announced, all study permit applications submitted to IRCC will require certification from the relevant state or territory.
The government said it would reassess the number of study permit applications it will receive in 2025 after working with provinces and agencies to develop “sustainable” pathways for international students.
Ottawa also announced changes to its post-graduation work permit program, including excluding people studying at public and private universities from visas. The visa will be extended for master's graduates who can apply for a three-year work permit.
Advocacy groups in the international education sector welcomed the crackdown on “bad actors” but warned that the new measures could harm Canada’s global reputation and damage the financial sustainability of national institutions.
“These kinds of overall caps are bold.”
“This approach… will have far-reaching consequences across the sector, including potential layoffs, closures and tuition increases, particularly in key regions, all of which will inevitably impact both Canadian and international students.” said Universities and Research Canada. name.
“Any measures to limit the flow of international students should really focus on the bad actors in the sector,” said Graham Barber, deputy director of international relations at Universities Canada. pie news.
“These kinds of overall caps are drastic and a bit reactionary. “We think it’s a bit of a blunt instrument,” he added. “The university really wants to welcome people to campus.”
Some argue that such measures are premature as concerns grow about the welfare of international students and housing shortages.
“Industry lobbyists and corporate interests have put the federal government in a position where it can no longer ignore the chaos,” said Earl Blaney, a student immigration consultant.
“We hope to see Brand Canada restored in the coming months and years, but the damage it has done to international students and the industry must not be easily forgotten.”