Ottawa is all set to cap study permit applications for 2 years to stabilize new growth. Read on to know more.

Ottawa Is To Cap The Number of International Student Visas for Two Years

Post by : Admin on Jan 26,2024

Ottawa has been one of the most sought-after places for international students to pursue their academic goals. Some academic institutions, however, exploited this popularity to increase their revenues. They enabled several international students to arrive in Canada without the proper support they needed to grow here. This not only stresses sustainable population growth but also housing and healthcare in Canada. Thus, the Canadian Government will set a cap on the number of approved study permit applications for two years. This is expected to give time to the country to stabilize new growth and provide the existing students with enough support.

            What’s the Latest Update on International Student Admissions?

Marc Miller, Immigration Minister will set a two-year cap on the international student admissions. This is important to stabilize new growth and provide a standard lifestyle to the international students already living in Canada.

This cap is expected to approve about 360,000 study permits in 2024, which is almost 35% less than what was in 2023. The government will cap the permits based on specific provinces and territories. Provinces with maximum unsustainable population growth will have significant reductions in approving study permit applications.

However, the update doesn’t impact study permit renewals and current study permit holders. Elementary, secondary, master’s and doctoral courses are not included in this update.

 How will the Study Permit Applications Work in 2024-2026?

The government will ask each province and territory to follow a specific portion of the cap. They can then allocate further among their DLIs.

Every study permit application should have an attestation letter from a territory or province. They need to set up a system for students to issue their attestation letters by 31st March 2024.

What are the Changes in Study Permit Eligibility Criteria?

  • IRCC ensures that the cap remains aligned with the PGWP. Hence, here are some changes they announced to the Post-Graduation Work Permit program as well.
  • You can apply for a 3-year work permit if you have completed a Master’s or a short graduate-level program.
  • International students who pursue a study program under the curriculum licensing agreement will not be allowed to apply for a postgraduation work permit after graduation from 1st September 2024.
  • Spouses of international students in doctoral and master’s programs will only be allowed to apply for open work permits.

Wrapping Up,

The new limitations on study permit applications ensure that the Government of Canada maintains a sustainable growing environment for international students. From adequate student housing and healthcare to developing a recognized institution framework, Canada is all set to take care of everything necessary for international students to live and work here. It is possible to get through this strict study permit application process with the right consultant by your side. Why don’t you get in touch with Onkar Immigration and get thorough guidance about the process?