Canadian Government’s Recent Changes in International Student Intake
Overview of Unprecedented Caps and Measures
Recently, few major changes have been announced by the Canadian Govt., with respect to the international student intake, which has taken everybody by surprise. As for the first time in its history, the country has capped the total number it will allow to enter its soil. These changes have been made keeping in mind several concerns that students have been raising, even though the govt is working on majority of them, however things are bound to take a certain duration of time to overcome the roadblocks and make the amenities available.
IRCC’s Two-Year Trial Measures
IRCC has come up with a few measures, which are being highlighted for the benefit of those planning to fly to Canada for academic purposes. These measures which have been put on a trial basis for two years, aim to reduce the mounting pressure on the infrastructure, mainly accommodation, logistics etc., so that work can be done on the same & students get to face minimal hurdles and constraints during their stay & study.
Changes in Study Permit Applications for 2024 and 2025
Cap on Study Permit Applications
It has been decided, that for 2024 (& 2025), there will be a cap of around 360,000 study permit applications that will be approved, however programs which are of Masters’ & Doctoral level will remain unaffected by this cap (as it has been excluded). Each province and territory will be allocated their quota of study permits proportionately among the designated learning institutions (DLI), depending on a number of factors that the government deems necessary. This number will be distributed to the provinces and territories, based on their respective population and student footfall.
Changes in Study Permit Application Process
The process to apply for a study permit will change. Effective immediately, students will have to obtain a letter of attestation from the province where they intend to study before they submit their study permit application to Canada’s immigration department (IRCC). Provinces are expected to have their study permit allocations and have a service for students to apply for their attestation letters in place by no later than March 31, 2024.
Transitional Measures for Study Permit Applications
Review of Applications before January 22, 2024
If a student has applied for a study permit before January 22, 2024, then IRCC will review the application under the previous process and these applications will not count towards the new cap. If a student applied for a study permit after January 22, 2024, the IRCC will not review the application. Instead, the application will be returned with a refund and the student will have to apply again following the new process.
Waiting Period for Applications after January 22, 2024
Students who have submitted or intend to apply for a study permit after January 22, 2024, will have to wait until the province (where they want to study) starts issuing attestation letters. The current situation is being closely monitored for any developments & changes and the priority is on streamlining the process, so that the students can start afresh with their application and obtain their study permit at the earliest.
Impact on Aspirants and the Canadian Institute’s Image
Hurdles and Adjustments for Aspirants
Finally, with these amendments & changes that the govt has brought into place, we understand that it might be hindering the plans of some of the aspirants for the time being. Those who had high dreams & expectations of getting a certification from a Canadian Institute.
Balancing Inconvenience and Image Concerns
However; on the other hand, it will save them the uphill scenario of inconvenience & heavy adjustments that they would have to make due to the ongoing situation, which is also affecting the image & reputation of the North American country, to a substantial extent.
