Ottawa, April 5, 2024 – In a groundbreaking move, Canada has set a national cap on study permit applications for 2024, aiming to regulate the burgeoning number of international students. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the comprehensive strategy, detailing provincial and territorial allocations under the new system.

Allocation

The cap is designed to match the number of incoming international students with those whose permits are set to expire, targeting a net zero growth in 2024. The initial figure is pegged at 485,000 approved permits. Adjustments for student extensions and other variables have refined this number down to 364,000, which, accounting for a 60% approval rate, leads to a cap of 606,000 applications.

Exemptions are in place for primary, secondary, and certain postgraduate students, adjusting the effective target to 236,000 approved permits from an estimated 393,000 applications. Distribution of these applications among provinces and territories is based on population share, with adjustments made to foster equitable growth or mitigate reductions, aiming for a 28% overall decrease in approvals under the cap.

This policy reflects a strategic approach to manage the influx of international students, ensuring that growth is sustainable and aligned with regional immigration objectives. The Minister emphasized ongoing collaboration with provincial and territorial governments to support international students and enhance the International Student Program’s effectiveness.

As Canada navigates these changes, the allocations and approval rates will be closely monitored for potential adjustments in 2025, signaling a dynamic response to the evolving educational landscape.