The Canadian government announced the possibility of banning new study applications for international students until next March 2024, with the possibility of making other changes to the study program for foreign students in Canada.
It is noteworthy that the government aims to implement reforms this week in order to stabilize growth and reduce the number of new international student permits issued in 2024, and this situation may continue unless the sectors act quickly.
Immigration Canada relies on provinces to implement IRCC
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is relying heavily on provinces to help implement IRCC, which is the cap of approximately 360,000 new study permits in Canada in 2024.
New student visa requirements in Canada
Previously, international students only needed a study permit acceptance letter from a Canadian school to apply for an LOA.
Since January 22, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has begun to require a letter of attestation from a province or territory with study permit applications for international students.
Obtaining certification from the Canadian provinces
International students must also submit admission permits in addition to a letter of authorization from the Canadian teacher, and provinces must issue these permits until March 31, 2024.
Implement the system in all provinces
However, recent reports indicate that it is uncertain whether this new system for international students will be implemented in all provinces by the deadline, which may lead to delays in new study permit applications in Canada.
Apply for a study permit
Once international students in Canada receive the letter of acceptance and attestation from the province or territory along with the letter of attestation from the teacher, they can smoothly proceed with their study permit application.
Various changes to the international student program in Canada
The international student program in Canada will also include various changes, as a two-year maximum has been set for new study permits nationwide, with maximum limits determined for provinces and territories depending on the size of the population.
Through these new procedures, the Canadian government aims to limit unsustainable growth in some Canadian provinces. Current permit holders or those applying to renew their study permits, or those pursuing specific educational levels, are also exempted.
Eligibility criteria for the post-graduation work permit program
The new changes regarding foreigners studying in Canada also include an amendment to the eligibility criteria for international students to work after graduation. These amendments will take effect as of September 1, 2024, and international students registered in curriculum licensing arrangements will not be eligible for the PGWP program after graduation.
But the positive thing is that international students in Canada who are graduates of master’s and other short graduate programs will be eligible for a 3-year work permit.
