Various international reports and rankings such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) generally place Canada at the top of countries in terms of educational performance. Canada, one of the best destinations for education, recently underwent a significant policy change regarding the admission of international students.
Minister of Immigration Marc Miller announced on January 22, 2024, that a two-year cap would be imposed on the number of foreign students allowed entry into the country, aiming to address the increasing pressures on the housing and healthcare systems. This decision signals a notable shift in the trend of increased international student admissions over the past decade.
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller Announced 3 Measures:
A cap will be placed on the number of work permits granted to international students.
As of September 1, 2024, students enrolled in programs offered by public-private institution partnerships will no longer be eligible for the PGWP.
Open work permits granted to spouses of international students will no longer be valid for undergraduate and college students.Uluslararası öğrencilere verilen çalışma izinlerinin sayısına bir üst sınır getirilecek.
Limitation on Study Permits for International Students
The newly imposed upper limit will restrict the number of undergraduate study permits to approximately 360,000 for the years 2024 and 2025, representing a 35% decrease compared to previous figures. This measure is seen as a response to the rapid increase in the number of international students, which surged from 214,000 to over 800,000 in the past decade.
These permits will be distributed among states and regions based on their respective population sizes and current student intake. This decentralized approach aims to manage international student admissions in a region-specific manner.
It's important to note that this education permit limit particularly targets new admissions for diploma and undergraduate programs. Existing international students seeking to renew their study permits are not subject to this restriction.
Canada Aims for Integrity and Efficiency in Education System
According to Minister Miller, the purpose of these measures is said to be maintaining the integrity of Canada's education system and ensuring its smooth functioning. The government's focus is on maintaining a high standard of education for both domestic and international students.
A day after IRCC's announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also addressed issues in the international student system, stating that it is for the benefit of students and the entire country.
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) in Canada
Starting from September 2024, graduates from colleges affiliated with public-private partnerships, which are a common model in Ontario, will no longer be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Concerns about the exploitation of international students in some of these institutions, stemming from issues like high tuition fees and inadequate resources, are cited as reasons for this decision.
For standard state colleges, there are no changes regarding the PGWP, which is one of the most frequently asked questions. However, as of September 1, 2024, graduates from school programs known as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) will no longer be eligible for work permits afterward.
Minister Miller stated that these changes are designed to ensure that international students receive the promised quality education and are not intended as punitive measures.
What is Public-Private Partnership, PPP in Canada?
PPP, Public–private partnership, refers to collaboration between the public and private sectors. Such collaborations typically entail joint efforts between the government and private sector in specific projects or services.
Reason behind the PGWP Decision in Canada
The reason behind taking this step is the significant increase in the number of students, coupled with the belief that these schools do not have adequate resources. This situation represents a significant change to maintain educational standards. Students studying in such institutions can reach out to us, and together we can review their strategies and take action.
The only good news is that post-university 1-year programs (including Master’s and College Post-Graduate Certificates) can now qualify for a 3-year work permit. This is significant news because previously, only students completing programs lasting a minimum of 2 years could benefit from a 3-year work permit.
Changes in Open Work Permits for Spouses of International Students in Canada
Canada has specific regulations regarding open work permits granted to spouses of international students.
Previous Regulations in Canada (Before the New Policy Announcement)
Spouses of international students studying full-time at eligible Canadian institutions were generally able to apply for open work permits.
These open work permits allowed spouses or partners to work for any employer in Canada without needing a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The duration of these work permits typically aligned with the duration of the international student's study permit.
New Policy Changes in Canada (As of 2024)
According to the new measures, open work permits granted to spouses of international students will no longer be valid for those accompanying students in undergraduate and university programs.
It is said that this policy amendment aims to enhance the integration of international students and their families into the Canadian workforce and society.
The most affected group is those aged 30 and over, with spouses/children, whose primary goal is immigration rather than education.
Requirement of Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) in Canada
Another significant change is the introduction of the requirement for an attestation letter for international students applying for study permits. This letter, issued by the provinces, serves as confirmation that the student has been accepted and that the institution meets educational standards.
Is Obtaining a Student Permit in Canada Now More Difficult?
Not exactly. During the student visa application process, an additional document, namely 'Provincial Attestation,' will now be requested. This can be considered as a preliminary permission obtained from the province where the school is located.
Who is NOT Affected by the New Student Policies in Canada?
Elementary, high school, master's, PhD, and post-graduate programs offered by colleges are not affected by this change. Additionally, those applying for an extension of their student permit from within Canada are exempt from this restriction.
Who is Affected by New Student Policies in Canada?
Students aspiring to pursue undergraduate and diploma/certificate college education are affected by these sanctions.
One of the responsibilities of the provinces is to regulate the distribution of foreign students among schools. Provinces will consider the distribution of foreign students among schools while granting this prior approval. This situation will be an additional factor in whether students can obtain this document.
In the old system, student permits were evaluated at the federal level, and waiting times could be up to six months due to congestion. Now, if the states give prior approval quickly, it is thought that there may be a shortening of the evaluation period for student permit applications.
In the coming months, states will explain how 'attestation' letters will be obtained in their own context. For now, Minister Miller has stated that states need to establish a system by March 31. However, this creates uncertainty for the next two months. Hopefully, the system will be clarified before this date. Currently, groups within this scope cannot apply for student permits; this process is on hold.
Uncertainties and Gray Areas in Student Policies
Graduate Studies Definition: The Minister's statement often uses the term "graduate studies," but later it is mentioned that colleges are not considered in this category. We eagerly await a clear definition of this term since graduate studies are also provided at colleges.
Additional Document Procedure for Student Permit: The procedure for preparing the additional document required for student permits at the state level needs to be clarified. The current uncertainty will affect many students who cannot apply for a student permit.
Recommendations for International Students in Canada's New Policy
Communication with PPPs: First, we recommend contacting PPPs (Public-Private Partnerships) so that we can reconsider their processes leading to permanent residency.
Pre-Application Counseling for Student Permits: It would be beneficial to contact us before completing your student permit applications. We can evaluate the situation together. University or college student applicants should currently hold off on student permit applications.
Pay Attention to Financial Sufficiency Figures: Consider the recently updated financial sufficiency figures. Now, students need to budget at least 20,635 CAD annually for living expenses in addition to expenses such as education, travel, and visas.
Other Immigration Programs: Like in the past, Express Entry, Provincial Programs, and other federal programs continue. We can evaluate all options leading to permanent residency, including international student status.
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