OTTAWA – Canada is facing a huge influx of international students and the incumbent government sounded alarm over potential impact of large increases in immigration on housing affordability.

As population growth outpaced construction of housing units, the Canadian government has decided to make changes in annual intake of permanent residents. The housing affordability also becomes a white elephant for the incumbent government.

Amid the distressing situation, Ottawa has decided to axe international students, especially those who are planning to settle after mid-2024.

A statement issued by the Canadian Immigration Office said “For 2024, the cap is likely to result in around 360,000 approved study permits”, announcing a cut of 35pc as compared to last year.

Canada Students Visa Policy 2024

Canadian Immigration Minister however confirmed that study permit renewals will not be affected under the latest move. Sharing an update for students, he said foreign students looking to pursue elementary, secondary education, master’s and doctorate will remain unaffected by the latest move.

The minister further announced that the study permit application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada would need an attestation letter from the province or territory.

Lately, Canada also made changes in the eligibility criteria to align with Post-Graduation Work Permit Program.

As per the update, foreign students who are beginning a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement from September 2024 will no longer be eligible for a postgraduation work permit upon graduation.

Let it be known that students who completed graduation or master’s will be able to apply for 3-year work permit.

In recent changes, only the spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctorate programs will be eligible for open work permits while spouses of students in lower-level programs, such as undergraduate and college studies, will no longer qualify.

The new tweak in policy aimed at addressing concerns related to oversight in private colleges offering curriculum licensing agreements, which have become a loophole in post-graduation work permit eligibility.