Canada has announced Cap on International Study Permits -Likely to Accept 360,000 study permits in 2024

Canada aims to steady its economic, social, and cultural growth by implementing processes to address challenges within the international student system. The government, led by the Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a cap on new international student permits for a 2-year period.

Study Permit Cap for 2024

For 2024, the cap is set at nearly 360,000 permits, indicating some drop from last year. To make sure fairness, provincial and territorial caps have been established based on population, resulting in more significant reductions in regions experiencing unsustainable growth.

Study permit renewals, as well as those pursuing master's and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education, are exempt from the limit, ensuring minimal impact on current permit holders.

Attestation letters needed for every study permit application

The cap will be allocated to provinces and territories, with attestation letters needed for every study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) from January 22, 2024. Provinces and territories are expected to implement attestation letter issuance processes by March 31, 2024.

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These temporary measures will be in place for 2 years, with a re-evaluation of new study permit applications for 2025 at the end of the period. The government commits to co-operating with provinces, territories, learning institutions, and education stakeholders to establish a sustainable path for international students, including a recognized institution framework and determining long-term sustainable student levels.

To align with the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, IRCC is adjusting eligibility criteria starting September 1, 2024. International students in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. Graduates of master's and short graduate-level programs will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit, addressing limitations hindering work experience and permanent residence transition. Additionally, open work permits will only be available to spouses of foreign students in master's and doctoral programs.

These measures, combined with recent reforms to the International Student Program, aim to support genuine students, improve their study experiences, and stabilize the overall number of students arriving in Canada, alleviating pressures on housing, health care, and other services.

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To apply for PR, Study or visit visa in Canada in 2024, you may contact the leading and trusted Immigration Advisor and Consultant at Visas Avenue on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar