Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) have declared the implementation of a temporary limit on the issuance of study permits for international students. According to the information released by IRCC, the cap for 2024 is anticipated to lead to approximately 360,000 approved study permits, representing a 35% decrease compared to 2023.
Additionally, IRCC is introducing specific caps for each province and territory, with the limits being weighted by population size. This approach is designed to address significant growth challenges in provinces with unsustainable increases in the international student population. Notably, the caps will not impact current study permit holders, permit renewals, or those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
Effective January 22, 2024, every study permit application submitted to IRCC will necessitate an attestation letter from a province or territory. PTs are expected to establish a process for issuing these letters by March 31, 2024. IRCC plans to reassess the cap in 2025.
Source: CIC News