Canada Strengthens Restrictions on International Student Admissions

By Neerav September 20, 2024
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Canada is implementing additional restrictions on the number of international study permits it issues, reducing the allocation to 437,000 for 2025 as part of broader changes to the International Student Program (ISP).

The Canadian government has announced a 10% cut in new study permits for international students, down from the previously planned 485,000 for 2024. Furthermore, the intake capacity for 2026 will be suspended, with the intake figures for 2025 serving as a basis for future planning.

This means that for 2025, the total number of study permits issued will decrease to 437,000.

On 18 September, during a joint press conference in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced significant modifications to the country’s immigration system, many of which relate to the international student programme:

  • Additional restrictions on the number of international study permits, as previously outlined.
  • The cap will now encompass master’s and doctoral students, with the study permit intake limit for the academic years 2025-2026 established.
  • All Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applicants will be required to demonstrate a certain level of fluency in either French or English, both spoken and written.
  • Adjustments will be made to PGWP programmes based on the action plans of each province and territory, aligning with immigration goals and labour market needs.
  • Spouses will be permitted to work in Canada under an open work permit only if they are the partners of foreign workers employed in managerial or professional occupations or in jobs experiencing shortages, under Canada’s work permit programmes (TFWP and IMP).
  • The original cap excluded students in master’s and PhD programmes from the quota. A new requirement is the provincial or territorial attestation letter, which will also apply to master’s and doctoral students seeking admission in the 2025-2026 study permit intake.
  • In recognition of their contributions to the Canadian labour market, the government has stated it will reserve approximately 12% of available spaces for these students.

As part of the changes to the PGWP programme, all applicants will now be required to complete a language test to meet minimum standards in either French or English. The government asserts that this requirement will enhance their prospects for transitioning to permanent residency and better equip them to navigate changes in the economic landscape.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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