In a seismic development, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has just announced a game-changer: a two-year cap on study visas for international students, heralding a significant shift in Canadian study visa policies that’s rippling through the community.
According to a scoop from the Toronto Star, the IRCC spilled the beans on a plan to slash the issuance of study permits for international students by a whopping 35% over the next two years. The revelation stems from confidential memos exchanged between IRCC and Universities Canada.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller has been dropping hints since the summer of 2023, reiterating them in a December release. The Minister is serious about taking action before the September 2024 semester kicks off, even if it means imposing a cap on visas. Why? He’s unwavering in his commitment to ensuring that learning institutions provide the necessary support for students.
Why the sudden change? There’s mounting pressure on IRCC to address the swelling number of international students in Canada. According to the minister, the system is falling out of control. Some institutions are admitting students from abroad, charging them a hefty fee, and falling short on delivering the promised quality education.
Last year, Canada welcomed over 800,000 international students, with the minister projecting a surge to over 900,000 in 2023. However, he now deems the situation “out of control” and is resolute about restoring order at the federal level.
In a December overhaul, IRCC implemented changes, including doubling the cost-of-living requirement for international students, aiming to better prepare them for the actual living costs in Canada. Additionally, there’s talk that IRCC is gearing up to roll out a Trusted Framework Agreement with learning institutions just in time for the 2024 academic season, promising expedited processing for study permits at eligible institutions.
As this riveting story continues to unfold, we at MAK Immigration Consultants are on high alert, ready to bring you the freshest updates as new information surfaces. Stay tuned for the latest developments!
