Jan 25, 2024
Give all your ears to this important announcement for international students, Canada has recently implemented a temporary cap on new study permits for 2024 and 2025. This initiative has been championed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller and seeks to elevate the quality of education and streamline the student visa program to ensure a top-notch academic experience for students.
Minister Miller spoke ardently in Montreal and emphasized the purpose of these adjustments and how beneficial it would be for future students arriving in Canada. He stated that the goal is to uphold the promise of quality education and support for global students in the country. It is crucial to prevent any compromise on the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
The temporary cap aims for a 35% reduction in new study permits issued in 2024 as compared to the previous year, also the provinces that have been affected more can have a reduction of up to 50%. This might look a little gloomy, but the minister clarified that this reduction aligns with a broader initiative to address concerns like under-resourced campuses, inadequate student support, housing, and high tuition fees at certain private institutions.
Ensuring fairness, the cap allocated spaces by province based on population, exempting students pursuing graduate-level programs, and recognizing the importance of advanced education. Moreover, to bolster the system's integrity, applicants must now provide a provincial attestation with their study permit applications, effective immediately. Provinces and territories will establish processes for issuing these attestation letters to students by March 31, 2024.
Importantly, the cap will not impact applicants within Canada seeking to extend their studies, nor will it affect current study permit holders in the country. The government plans to reassess the cap’s effectiveness at the end of the two-year period in 2025.
The government of Canada will keep collaborating with provinces, territories, and education stakeholders since the focus will be on developing a sustainable path forward for international students. Hence, this will finalize recognized institution frameworks, determine long-term sustainable student levels, and ensure sufficient student housing.
In addition to the cap, changes to post-graduate work permits will be effective from September 1, 2024, and will no longer be available to students in public-private partnership programs. Moreover, open work permits will also see modifications, the spouses of international students pursuing undergraduate programs are not eligible for work permits. But the good news is that it will be available to spouses enrolled in higher education programs including masters, doctoral, and other professional programs such as law and medicine.
Again, staggering news for international students who have a zeal to achieve heights. The post-study work rights for masters and other short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit which will give exposure to the best work opportunities.
As we can see these changes, though presenting initial challenges signify a positive stride in ensuring the overall well-being and success of international students in Canada. The government's commitment to program integrity and student support is evident, aiming to maintain a high standard of education and create a sustainable environment for both students and institutions.
All in all, KC Overseas is here to help you. With our 25 years of experience, we have all the solutions to your problem. If your dream destination is Canada but you are feeling overwhelmed by this current news, Fret not! We got your back; connect with our expert counselors, they will not only guide you but also solve all your queries.
As we all know, time waits for no man, so hurry up as our doors are flung open for all our students. Thus, reach out to us soon!