Starting in 2024, Canada will impose a temporary two-year cap on the number of new study permits issued. According to Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, only 364,000 study permits will be approved in 2024. This move is intended to balance the influx of international students with the capacity of Canadian educational institutions, ensuring that the quality of education remains high.
Understanding the New Cap
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to manage the number of incoming students effectively. The total target for study permits in 2024 is set at 485,000. Of these, approximately 97,000 will be for extensions and renewals, while 24,000 permits are reserved as a buffer for potential fluctuations. This leaves 364,000 permits allocated for new international students.
Canada anticipates receiving 606,000 study permit applications in 2024, with an approval rate of 60%. This means only 364,000 applications will be approved. The number of new permits will be roughly equal to the number of existing permits that expire in 2024.
In addition to the study permit cap, IRCC has revised the eligibility criteria for postgraduate work permits and increased the Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) requirement. Starting January 1, 2024, international students must show access to at least CAD 20,635 (up from CAD 10,000) to cover living expenses, excluding tuition.
Changes to Postgraduate Work Permits
The Canadian education system has updated the eligibility criteria for postgraduate work permits. Students at some private colleges will now be ineligible for these permits. Originally set to begin on September 1, 2024, these changes are now effective from May 15, 2024. However, spouses of students enrolled in master’s, doctoral, or professional degree programs will remain eligible for open work permits.
Short-Term Impacts
- Increased Competition: The cap on study permits will heighten competition, especially in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Ontario, which hosts the largest number of international students, will see a 55% reduction in permit approvals. British Columbia will pause new accreditations for institutions enrolling international students and increase inspections to ensure quality. Nova Scotia plans to cap tuition hikes and boost funding to support international students, allocating 12,900 permits.
- Administrative Bottlenecks: Students currently in the application process may face delays or rejections, potentially leading them to consider other countries.
- Disqualification of Private College Graduates: Students at certain private colleges may need to reassess their plans due to the new eligibility criteria.
- Restriction on Spouse Work Permits: Changes in spouse work permit eligibility will impact those planning to move with their families, leading to a reevaluation of their study abroad plans.
- Increased Financial Strain: The higher GIC requirement will impose an immediate financial burden, potentially reducing applications from middle-income families.
Long-Term Impacts
- Diversification of Smaller Provinces: Students may begin to consider less popular provinces such as Alberta, Québec, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, Labrador, and Manitoba, which are expanding their capacity for international students. This could also lead to the establishment of more quality institutions in these regions.
- Improvement in Education Quality: Increased inspections and a focus on maintaining high educational standards may lead to improved teaching quality. Private colleges losing eligibility for postgraduate work permits might experience declines in enrollment, possibly leading to closures.
- Re-evaluation of Policies: The changes to spouse work permits may prompt Canada to reassess its policies to better attract international students who wish to move with their families.
- Improved Infrastructure: A reduced number of international students will lessen the pressure on housing and healthcare systems, allowing for infrastructure improvements and better support for current and future students.
Diplomatic Tensions Affecting Indian Students
Diplomatic disputes between Canada and India have already impacted the number of study permit applications from Indian students. The expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India has led to delays and a backlog in permit processing, increasing uncertainty for prospective students. This situation, coupled with the new study permit policies, may diminish Canada’s appeal as a study destination for Indian students. Consequently, students might seek alternatives in countries with more stable diplomatic relations and fewer administrative hurdles.