Canada has always been a top choice for overseas students looking for top-notch education because of its friendly people and diversified cultural landscape. However, recent challenges in the international student system have prompted the Government of Canada to take bold steps towards stabilizing growth and ensuring a sustainable future.

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, revealed a comprehensive plan to address issues threatening the integrity of the system. Some institutions have exploited loopholes, significantly increasing student intakes to drive revenues, leading to pressure on essential services and inadequate support for students.

The government’s initiative includes setting an intake cap on international student permit applications for the next two years, aiming to approve around 360,000 study permits in 2024, a 35% decrease from the previous year. The move is expected to reduce the challenges posed by rapid growth, ensuring a more balanced and supportive environment for international students. Provincial and territorial caps, weighted by population, have been established to address unsustainable growth in specific regions. The cap does not apply to those seeking master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as those studying elementary and secondary education. Those who currently hold study permits won’t be impacted.

From September 01, 2024, international students who begin their study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer be eligible for a post- graduation work permit. Additionally, graduates of master’s degree programs will have the opportunity to apply for a 3-year work permit, overcoming previous limitations on gaining work experience for potential permanent residence.

In a move to streamline open work permits, eligibility will be limited to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. Spouses of students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible. These adjustments aim to refine and align the work permit program with the evolving landscape of international education.

These strategic measures, coupled with recent reforms. Canada’s commitment to providing genuine international students with the necessary support for a rewarding study experience. Simultaneously, the reforms work to stabilize overall student numbers, alleviating pressures on housing, healthcare, and essential services in the country. As Canada navigates these changes, it remains steadfast in its mission to create an inclusive and enriching environment for students from around the world.