Canada has unveiled its strategy to limit the number of study permits issued to international students by each province over the next two years. The country plans to reduce the number of new international student permits, with a target of 485,000 approved study permits for 2024.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated, “On January 22, I announced a national cap on study permit applications to address the rapid increase of international students in Canada. Provincial and territorial allocations for 2024 have now been finalized. I would like to take this opportunity to share those figures and explain how we made these decisions,” in a statement.
What Is the Reason for the Student Visa Cap?
Miller introduced a plan called the Net Zero First Year Growth Model, which seeks to stabilize the influx of post-secondary students while ensuring they receive the best possible support and resources for their academic pursuits in the country.
At the heart of this model is a national cap, designed to match the number of study permits expiring in the current year. The idea is straightforward: the intake of international students in 2024 should reflect the number of students whose permits are due to expire during that period.
Important Highlights of Canada’s New Student Visa Program Limits
Refined Target Calculation
- Government considered factors, including 20% of students seeking permit extensions annually.
- Deducted 97,000 (20%) from initial target.
- Incorporated buffer for fluctuations, resulting in revised target of 364,000 approved study permits for 2024.
Adjusted Cap Calculation
- Based on national approval rate of 60%, adjusted target is 606,000 study permit applications anticipated for 2024.
- Certain categories of students (e.g., primary, secondary, master’s, or doctoral programs) are exempt from this cap.
Final Target Determination
- Exempt groups estimated at 140,000 based on 2023 data.
- Final target is 236,000 approved study permits, equivalent to an approximate allocation of 393,000 study permit applications for 2024.
Future Planning
- Figures provide a foundation for informed decision-making in subsequent years.
- Government committed to collaborating with provinces and territories to strengthen the International Student Program.
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