Canada limits International Student Intake till 2025 – All You Need to know

Canada’s commitment to attracting and supporting international students remains unwavering. However, in response to concerns about system strain and uneven growth, the government has announced a series of strategic measures to rebalance the international student intake and prioritize long-term sustainability.

Key points:

• Limited Intake: A temporary cap of approximately 360,000 study permits will be set for 2024, representing a 35% decrease from 2023. Individual province/territory caps will be established based on population.
• Focus on Quality: Master’s, doctoral, and elementary/secondary students are excluded from the cap, prioritizing higher education and essential levels. Study permit renewals and current holders are also unaffected.
• Collaboration: Provinces and territories will receive a portion of the cap and allocate it among designated learning institutions. They will also establish a process for issuing attestation letters by March 31, 2024.
• Two-Year Review: These measures are temporary and will be re-assessed by year-end to determine the 2025 intake level.
• Post-Graduation Work Permit Changes: Eligibility criteria will be adjusted:
• From September 1, 2024, students in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible.
• Master’s graduates will be eligible for a 3-year work permit, expanding their opportunities.
• Open work permits for spouses will only be available to those in master’s/doctoral programs.
• These measures build on earlier initiatives, including cost-of-living requirement updates, letter of acceptance verification, and pilot programs for underrepresented student groups.

“International students are vital to Canada, but we have an obligation to ensure they have the resources and support for a successful experience. These measures strike the right balance, protecting the system’s integrity and setting students up for success.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Conclusion:

Canada’s rebalancing of the International Student Program prioritizes sustainable growth and ensures a positive experience for qualified students. These measures maintain Canada’s global reputation as a welcoming and enriching destination for academic pursuits while safeguarding the program’s integrity and resource allocation.

This revised content retains the key information while adopting a more professional tone, suitable for official communications or reports.