Canada Is Limiting Study Permits In 2024 & Here's What International Students Need To Know

The federal government just announced that it will be limiting study permits in 2024.

This update is going to impact international students — and even their spouses — for the next few years.

So, here's what you need to know about the new international student cap that's coming into effect in Canada.

Why you should care: The federal government is putting an intake cap on international student permit applications in place for two years.

For 2024, this cap is expected to allow for approximately 360,000 approved study permits which is a decrease of 35% from 2023.

individual provincial and territorial caps have also been established.

So, there will be a more significant decrease in approvals in provinces where international student population growth has been "unsustainable," the government said.

Study permit renewals will not be impacted and current study permit holders will not be affected.

Also, people getting a master's degree, doctoral degree or elementary/secondary education aren't included in the international student cap.

What they're saying: "We are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. Enough is enough," said Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, in the announcement on January 22, 2024.

"We are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for," he continued.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada told Narcity that it will "work closely" with provinces and territories along with educational institutions "to address the ongoing challenges faced by international students."

ICYMI: According to the federal government, the "integrity" of Canada's international student system has been threatened as education institutions have "significantly increased" intakes to drive revenue.

That means more international students have been coming to Canada without the proper support needed to succeed here.

Then, as a result of increases in the number of international students arriving in Canada, there has been pressure on housing, health care and other services.

So, the government is putting these measures in place to protect international students, support population growth and stabilize the number of international students in Canada.

What comes next: These temporary measures will be in place for two years.

The number of new study permit applications that will be accepted in 2025 is going to be reassessed at the end of this year.

According to the government, in the coming weeks, open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master's and doctoral programs.

Spouses of international students in other levels of study — like undergraduate and college programs — will no longer be eligible to get permits.

Keep reading: There are new rules for international students in Canada for 2024 related to the cost of living financial requirement for study permit applicants.

It has been raised so international students must have more money saved before coming to this country to ensure that they're financially prepared to study and live in Canada.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.