Canada has implemented a temporary cap on foreign student admissions for two years to stabilize growth. In 2024, the cap is estimated to result in around 360,000 accepted study permits, a 35% fall from 2023.
Marc Miller, Canada’s Immigration Minister, announced on Monday the implementation of provincial and territorial limitations on foreign student enrollment. In the spirit of justice, these caps, weighted by population, will result in further reductions in provinces with the most unsustainable rise in the international student population.
“International students contribute significantly to Canada and improve our communities. As a result, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have access to the resources they require for a fulfilling academic experience. In Canada today, this isn’t necessarily the case…”
“Today, we are unveiling additional safeguards to protect a system that has grown so profitable that it has created an avenue for abuse. “Enough is enough.”
“Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”
These caps will not effect current study permit holders, persons renewing their study permits, or those seeking master’s or doctoral degrees.
These temporary limits will be in effect for two years, and the number of new study permit applications granted in 2025 will be reviewed at the conclusion of this year.
Master’s graduates and those completing short graduate programs in Canada will soon be able to apply for a three-year work permit.
Under existing criteria, the length of a post-graduation work visa is solely determined by the length of an individual’s education program, limiting master’s grads’ ability to build job experience and potentially move to permanent residency.
In the coming weeks, open work permits will only be offered to spouses of international students pursuing master’s and doctorate degrees. Spouses of overseas students enrolled in undergraduate and college programs are no longer eligible.