Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller announced that the approval of applications for permits to use in Canada will be reduced by 35% (360,000) over two years. In order to ensure balance between states, individual provincial and regional borders were determined according to population. This would lead to even more significant declines in provinces where international student revenues are raised unchecked, particularly British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Study permit renewals will not be affected. Those with master's and doctoral degrees and those with primary and secondary education are not subject to this limitation. Additionally, existing permit holders will not be affected by this application.
In order for the limitation to be effectively implemented, it is mandatory to obtain a separate approval letter from the state where the education option is located for every permit submitted to IRCC as of January 22, 2024.
In addition to this limit, post-study work permit criteria are also changed. While spouses of those studying in a college or undergraduate program can obtain an existing open work permit, they will no longer be able to obtain an open work permit with the new temporary policy. Spouses of Master's or PhD students will continue to benefit from this persuasion.
The current duration of a post-graduation work permit depends solely on the individual's length of study, hindering master's degree graduates by limiting the time they have to gain work experience and potentially transition to permanent residence. Therefore, with the new application, graduates of master's and other short postgraduate programs will soon have the right to apply for a 3-year work permit.
This policy, which will remain in effect for two years, aims to ensure that foreigners have the resources they need to receive the support they need for a quality educational experience in Canada, while also stabilizing the total amount of incoming students and relieving pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.