Canada sets two-year cap on student visas from January 22, 2024.
Canada Sets a Two-Year Cap on Foreign Students
Canada is facing intense criticism for how it is handling immigration. Due to a sharp increase in newcomers and a worsening housing crisis, the government is now considering strict limits on international students and temporary workers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller admitted that the current system is “out of control.”
A recent national poll shows that many Canadians blame immigration for rising housing costs and pressure on healthcare and education. Although Canadians still value cultural diversity and economic benefits, more people now want the government to reduce immigration levels.
When Will the Cap Begin and How Will It Work?
Beginning September 1, 2024, students who arrive in Canada to start a new study program will no longer qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the undergraduate or diploma level.
Meanwhile, Minister Miller plans to review and tighten control over the number of international students entering Canada throughout the first half of 2024. In late 2023, the government already introduced stricter student visa rules.
Now, IRCC will also monitor individual institutions more closely. The department wants to identify colleges that charge high fees but fail to provide proper education or support. Additionally, federal and provincial governments will work together to decide how much to reduce international student numbers.
In Canada, provinces decide which schools can host international students. However, the federal government issues the study permits. Because of this shared responsibility, Ottawa may negotiate a nationwide cap with the provinces.
Minister Miller has raised strong concerns about schools that exploit students for profit. He noted that Canadian universities rely on foreign students for funding, so the government must consider the sector’s financial health while setting the cap.
There were more than 800,000 international students in 2022, and the number likely reached 900,000 in 2023. Colleges and Institutes Canada urged the government to design a cap that reflects regional needs, so it does not harm smaller institutions or local economies.
How Will the Cap Affect Indian Students?
India sends more students to Canada than any other country. Therefore, the cap will significantly affect Indian applicants.
- In 2022, Indians received 41% of all Canadian study permits (225,835 permits).
- In September 2023, nearly 40% of all international students in Canada were Indian.
Minister Miller confirmed that the cap will focus on new applicants. This means:
The cap will not affect:
- Students already in Canada
- Students extending their study permits
- Students switching programs within Canada
The cap will affect:
- New bachelor’s degree applicants
- New diploma or certificate applicants
Exemptions:
- Master’s and PhD students
These students can continue applying without restrictions because Canada sees them as essential for innovation, research, and economic growth.
Get in touch with SPS Canada
Receive professional advice on any of your questions regarding Canadian immigration. get in touch with us, experienced immigration consultants from SPS Canada. For additional information, contact support@spscanada.com (Canada) or support.amd@spscanada.com
(Ahmedabad), or by phone at (1) 905-362-9393 (Canada) or +919586226232 (Ahmedabad)
