Studying in Canada: Student visa caps and key measures introduced

19–JAN–2024 | In response to escalating public concern about immigration levels, particularly amid an ongoing housing affordability crisis, the Canadian government announced significant changes to its Study Permit Regulations today. To outline the key points relevant to our students’ studying in Canada, here are the highlights:

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The cap is set to provide approximately 360,000 authorized study permits in 2024, reflecting a 35% decrease from 2023. Implemented for a two-year period, this adjustment aims to assist Canada in addressing its housing shortage. Importantly, it won’t affect students already within Canada, such as current study permit holders or those seeking renewals, excluding those pursuing masters and doctoral degrees. The reduction primarily targets less reputable schools, some of which facilitated entries into Canada with goals unrelated to genuine academic pursuits. Notably, applicants to mainstream public colleges and universities should remain unaffected.

Canadian Immigration has also introduced a notable change, allowing international students who have completed masters programs or other short graduate-level programs to apply for a 3-year work permit. This surpasses the previous Post Graduate Work Permit, which was limited to the duration of the program studied. Undergraduates remain unaffected by this announcement.

Regarding work permits for spouses, Canadian Immigration specifies that open work permits will now exclusively be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs. Spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible. Fortunately, this change should not impact our community significantly, as most legitimate spousal applications for work permits were associated with older students typically studying at the master’s level or higher.

As previously communicated, starting January 1st, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for a single study permit applicant has increased to CAD$20,635. This adjustment, in addition to the first-year tuition and travel costs, will apply to study permit applications received on or after January 1st. Significantly surpassing the previous requirement of CAD$10,000, which has remained unchanged since the early 2000s, this new cost reflects contemporary living expenses.

These measures are poised to have a positive impact on our student community, providing a more streamlined pathway for legitimate study applications and aligning with broader efforts to address current societal challenges.

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