Canada Implements Cap on Admission for International Students

Canada has announced a limit on the admission of international students into the country.

The country’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller while addressing the Liberal cabinet retreat outlined various restrictions aimed at reducing intake by 35% over the next two years. He clarified that these temporary measures will be effective for two years.

“To maintain a sustainable level of temporary residence in Canada and to prevent further growth in the number of international students in 2024, we are implementing a national application intake cap for the next two years”, Miller stated.

For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 364,000 approved study permits, reflecting a 35% decrease from 2023. Notably, the cap exempts graduate-level students, including master’s and doctoral candidates. Individuals seeking study permit applications at elementary and secondary school levels will also be exempt.

BREAKING: Canada's Immigration Minister, has announced critical measures to limit number of international students coming into 🇨🇦

-From Sep 1st there will be no more spousal open work permits for spouses of students who are not in graduate schools/programs such as Law/Medicine. pic.twitter.com/oW7BI8AnA6

— ‘Tunde Omotoye (@TundeTASH) January 22, 2024

Today, we announced that the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize growth, for a period of two years. Details: https://t.co/3j30asJC3i

For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study… pic.twitter.com/wAJCAnB9UW

— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) January 22, 2024

Effective immediately, prospective students applying for a Canadian study permit must provide an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. The federal government has mandated each province and territory to establish a process for issuing attestation letters.

Miller emphasized that the specific labour needs of each province and territory would be considered during this process.