Being an essential part of Canada’s social, cultural, and economic fabric, international students strengthen their local communities. The trustworthiness of the system for overseas students has been called into question recently. To boost revenue, several universities have dramatically boosted enrollment, which has resulted in an upsurge in the number of students coming to Canada without the resources they need to succeed. There is a shortage of housing, health care, and other services due to the significant rise in the number of international students entering Canada. 

Recently, Canada announced a two-year cap on the number of international students it will accept, marking a significant policy change. Concerns regarding the integrity of the foreign student system have prompted this declaration, which aims to prevent specific universities from taking advantage of an upsurge in enrollment for financial advantage.

By 2024, Canada aims to have 360,000 approved study permits under the new scheme. As compared to the prior year, this is a 35% reduction. The admission of international students by several universities was observed to occur without sufficient student assistance. The intention to control the influx of foreign students into the nation, which puts a lot of pressure on its housing and healthcare systems when unregulated, is another reason driving the decision. Notably, students pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as those enrolled in primary and secondary education, are exempt from this recently introduced law. Additionally, the cap does not apply to students who currently possess study permits.

Based on population and current student intake, each Canadian province and territory will get a portion of the nation’s overall study permit allocation under the new regulations. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made a statement stating that provinces will subsequently determine how to distribute these permits among universities and colleges. Furthermore, a letter of attestation from a Canadian province or territory attesting to their ability to host the incoming students will now be required as part of the study permit application process. The deadline to establish a process for delivering these letters is March 31 for all provinces.

The Canadian government is taking action to stabilize the number of overseas students studying there to better safeguard them from unethical agents and encourage sustainable population growth. The minister of immigration announced a plan to put several policies into place to bolster Canada’s program for international students and better shield legitimate students from scammers. Protecting the integrity of the immigration system while offering support to students is the government’s goal of striking a balance.

Duration of Measures:

The cap is considered to be a temporary measure that will take effect in 2024 and 2025. There will be two years of temporary measures in effect. By the end of this year, the total number of study permits issued for 2025 will be published. Throughout this time, the Canadian government will continue to work with chosen learning institutions, national education stakeholders, and the provinces and territories to establish a sustainable future for international students. This includes completing the structure for recognized institutions, figuring out what the long-term sustainable numbers of international students are, as well as making sure postsecondary institutions can fit a sufficient number of students in housing.

Quick Facts:

They are going to continue to give students with in-demand talents clear routes to permanent residence in the upcoming months, and they are going to look into new strategies that will assist overseas students to easily join the workforce.

Recently, the department has implemented several initiatives designed to guarantee that the International Student Program benefits both incoming students and the nation at large. These initiatives include:

• To better reflect the genuine cost of living in Canada and reduce student vulnerability and exploitation, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was altered on January 1, 2024.
• Commencing on December 1, 2023, post-secondary designated learning institutions have been obligated to confirm with IRCC each acceptance letter that an applicant from outside Canada submits. This enhanced verification procedure guarantees that study permits are only granted based on authentic letters of acceptance, protecting prospective students from fraud.
• Their goal is to support underrepresented international student cohorts in completing their studies in Canada through the introduction of focused pilot programs in 2024.

What is the cap on international students in Canada?

Over the following two years, the number of international study visas will be capped by the federal government. 360,000 undergraduate study permits will be approved in 2024, a reduction of 35 percent from 2023.

Why does Canada limit admission to international students?

As the number of international students studying abroad increases, the government is taking steps to tackle the housing situation and its impact on the housing sector. 

What is the two-year cap for international students?

Amidst the housing crisis, Canada has announced a two-year cap on new international student visas. This year, there will be a 35% decrease in the number of new student visas granted; in 2025, the permits will be reviewed.