Canada has introduced a temporary cap on its international student program. Announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, this measure will see a 35% reduction in new student visas for 2024. The cap translates to about 360,000 undergraduate study permits for the upcoming year. Each province and territory will have a quota within this total number and will select qualified institutions for international student enrollment.
Provincial Caps and Future Assessments
The distribution of study permits will vary by province, with some experiencing a reduction of around 50%. The number of permits for 2025 will be reviewed at the end of 2024. The caps are set in proportion to each province’s population. This approach addresses unsustainable growth in international student populations in certain regions.
Starting January 22, 2024, every study permit application must include an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a process for issuing these letters by March 31. Renewals of existing study permits and permits for master’s, doctoral, elementary, and secondary education are not subject to the cap.
Minister Miller emphasized the importance of international students to Canada. He stated the need to protect them and ensure they have the necessary resources for a fulfilling academic experience. The measures aim to safeguard a system susceptible to abuse due to its profitability.
International students must obtain a study permit from the federal government, requiring acceptance from an accredited institution, personal documentation, and proof of financial support. Until this announcement, there were no specific limits on the number of students entering Canada, with visa requests generally approved for students accepted at accredited institutions.
