The latest data from The Globe and Mail reveals a noteworthy surge in Canada’s international student population, surpassing the 1 million mark. Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) disclosed that by the end of December, there were a total of 1,028,850 international students in Canada. The provinces with the highest concentrations were Ontario with 526,015 students, British Columbia with 202,565, and Quebec with 117,925, also coinciding with having the most Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs).

Immigration Minister Marc Miller, in a recent interview with CTV news, attributed the escalating numbers to the permissive DLI model in certain provinces. He urged provincial authorities to engage with DLIs to manage and regulate these numbers effectively. Back in 2022, the number of international students in Canada was 807,260, with expectations of surpassing 900,000 by the end of 2023. However, as reported by The Globe and Mail, this milestone was achieved by September 2023, with 1,015,744 individuals holding valid Canadian study permits.

Concerns about the impact on Canada’s housing affordability and healthcare system have led to discussions on implementing a cap on study permits for international students. IRCC emphasizes that limiting intake is crucial to safeguard the integrity of Canada’s international student system, preventing institutions from admitting more students than they can adequately support.

On January 22, Minister Miller confirmed that IRCC would be imposing a cap of 360,000 study permits for 2024, marking a projected 35% reduction in international students. Notably, this cap excludes renewals and post-graduate students in masters, PhD, or similar programs. The permits will be distributed to provinces based on population, constituting a temporary two-year measure.

This announcement coincided with changes to Canada’s international student program, introducing a new step in the application process. Applicants must now obtain a letter of attestation from the provincial or territorial government where their DLI is located after receiving a letter of acceptance (LOA). The deadline for establishing this process is March 31, 2024, potentially resulting in a pause on new study permits until then.

Moreover, adjustments to Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) eligibility criteria have been implemented. Students enrolled in programs at private colleges through a curriculum licensing agreement with a public college are no longer eligible for a PGWP. Conversely, international students completing a graduate-level program shorter than 8 months can now apply for a PGWP. Notably, spouses of undergraduate students are no longer eligible for Spousal Open Work Permits, with details on this measure yet to be released by IRCC.