Canada’s International Student Population Surpasses 1 Million
According to The Globe and Mail, Canada’s international student population now exceeds 1 million students. The information was cited from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which reported that there were 1,028,850 international students in Canada at the end of December. Among the provinces, Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec are noted to have the highest number of international students, with Ontario leading the pack at 526,015 students.
On 14th January, Immigration Minister Marc Miller attributed the high volume of international students to the permissive DLI model in some provinces. He recommended that provincial governments speak with DLIs to “rein in” the numbers, citing concerns about the capacity and support available to these students.
There were 807,260 international students in Canada in 2022, and by the end of September 2023, the number of valid Canadian study permits had exceeded 1,015,744. This trend led to discussions about imposing a cap on study permits for international students in Canada, with pressure mounting on the federal government to reduce the number of newcomers due to housing shortages and strain on the healthcare system.
In effect, IRCC announced that a cap of 360,000 study permits will be issued in 2024, representing a 35% reduction in the number of international students in Canada. This temporary measure applies to new study permits and will not affect renewals or post-graduate students.
Additionally, changes in the eligibility criteria for Post Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) were made, affecting international students enrolled in programs at private colleges through a curriculum licensing agreement with a public college, and those completing shorter graduate-level programs.
Furthermore, IRCC also revealed that the spouses of undergraduate students will no longer be eligible for Spousal Open Work Permits. The changes to PGWP eligibility and the announcement of the cap on study permits reflect the government’s efforts to better manage the intake of international students and protect their well-being in Canada. If you are considering studying in Canada, you may want to explore your options and prepare for these changes.
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