Canada is known for its prestigious education system and has traditionally been a beacon for international students looking to further their studies. However, a new development in the immigration system could reshape the landscape for aspiring students worldwide. Recently, Canada’s Immigration Minister announced a proposed cap on the intake of international students.
The Cap on Canada Study Permit Intake
The decision to cap the intake of international students for a two-year period beginning in 2024 is considerable, setting the number of approved study permits to 3.60 lakh. This is a sharp decrease of 35% from the numbers witnessed in the previous year.
Increased Financial Requirements
In addition to the cap, international students must now show proof of significantly more funds to secure a Canada study permit. The financial requirement for proof of funds has doubled – students will need to have at least CAD 20,635 in their bank accounts to be eligible for a study permit in Canada. This move reflects the cost of living in the country and aims to ensure students are well prepared for their time abroad financially.
Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association’s Response
Reacting to this proposed change, the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA) highlighted alternative methods that they believe would better protect international students and ensure the integrity of Canada’s higher education and immigration systems. They suggest:
- Funding for Higher Education: “Federal and provincial governments must work together to identify how to fund our higher education system in a more sustainable fashion so that colleges and universities are not so reliant on international students to fund their operations.”
- Setting Realistic Expectations: “The federal government needs to set more realistic expectations to international students about the feasibility of obtaining permanent residence following graduation.”
- Language Proficiency Requirements: “IRCC may wish to consider increasing the English- and French-language proficiency requirements so that approved international students are better equipped to succeed in Canadian classrooms, the economy, and society.”
- Work Permit Options: “Re-introduce the Post-Graduation Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to international graduates so that employers with genuine labour shortages can obtain work permits for international graduates with in-demand skills.”
- Regulate Immigration Consultants: “Better regulate the conduct of immigration consultants in Canada and overseas to deter them from engaging in unethical behavior.”
Barbara Jo Caruso, the founder of an immigration law firm and Co-President at CILA, expressed her views openly on social media:
“It is unfortunate that foreign students are the scapegoats for poor management of this portfolio at all levels of government… Much more prudent is to manage expectations of foreign students about how long they can stay, especially by cracking down on the bad actors in the industry, limit the right to work in Canada while attending school and increase the criteria for qualifying.”
Improving the Designated Learning Institute List
Ken Nickel-Lane, founder of an immigration services firm, emphasizes the need for a thorough review of the Designated Learning Institute (DLI) list. He argues that the intake-cap volumes should be determined in alignment with industry demands, as per ‘Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and the immigration agency.
Higher Minimum Fund Requirements
Pavan Dhillon, an immigration attorney, believes that the minimum fund requirement, despite having been doubled, should even be higher. She stresses the need for better work permit options to support the long-term success of the hundreds of thousands of students already in Canada as temporary residents.
Tailoring Immigration to Industry Demands
Josh Schachnow, an immigration lawyer and tech co-founder, supports further government measures to target the right students for long-term success in Canada.
The conversation around the intake of international students and their transition to permanent residents remains complex and ever-evolving. With immigration policies at the crux of this debate, it is clear that stakeholders from multiple sectors need to collaborate to find a sustainable approach that benefits students, educational institutions, and the Canadian economy alike.
For more information on study permits and the latest immigration updates, prospective students can visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Learn Today:
Glossary or Definitions:
- Cap on Canada Study Permit Intake: A policy that limits the number of study permits that Canada approves for international students during a specific period. The proposed cap sets the maximum number of approved study permits at 3.60 lakh, which represents a decrease of 35% compared to the previous year.
- Study Permit: A document issued by the Canadian government that allows individuals from other countries to study at designated learning institutions in Canada. It serves as a temporary resident visa that permits the holder to stay in Canada for the duration of their studies.
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Proof of Funds: Documentation required to demonstrate that an international student has sufficient financial resources to support themselves while studying in Canada. The recent change in the financial requirement for proof of funds means that students must have at least CAD 20,635 in their bank accounts to be eligible for a study permit.
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Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association (CILA): An association of immigration lawyers in Canada that provides support, advocacy, and expertise in immigration law. CILA responds to proposed immigration changes and suggests alternatives to protect international students and ensure the integrity of Canada’s higher education and immigration systems.
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Post-Graduation Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): An assessment conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine whether there is a need for a foreign graduate to fill a specific job position. If approved, the graduate can obtain a work permit to work in Canada after completing their studies.
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Designated Learning Institute (DLI): A learning institution in Canada that has been approved by the provincial or territorial government to host international students. A thorough review of the DLI list is necessary to ensure alignment with industry demands and to determine the appropriate intake-cap volumes for international students.
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Minimum Fund Requirements: The amount of money that international students must demonstrate they possess to cover their living expenses and tuition fees while studying in Canada. The recent increase in the minimum fund requirement reflects the cost of living in the country and aims to ensure students are financially prepared for their time abroad.
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Immigration Consultants: Professionals who provide advice and assistance to individuals seeking immigration services. There is a need to regulate the conduct of immigration consultants in Canada and overseas to prevent them from engaging in unethical behavior.
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Long-Term Success: Referring to the ability of international students to integrate into the Canadian society and economy following their studies. It includes options for obtaining permanent residence and obtaining work permits that align with industry demands.
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Stakeholders: Individuals or groups who have a vested interest in a particular issue or industry. In the context of immigration, stakeholders include educational institutions, government agencies, immigration lawyers, international students, and employers, among others. Collaboration among these stakeholders is necessary to develop a sustainable approach that benefits all parties involved.
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Immigration Policies: Laws, regulations, and rules established by a country to manage the entry and stay of foreign nationals within its borders. Immigration policies determine the eligibility criteria, processes, and requirements for different types of visas, permits, and statuses, including study permits, work permits, and permanent residence.
And there you have it, folks! The proposed cap on Canada’s study permit intake and increased financial requirements have definitely stirred up the conversation among immigration experts and industry professionals. It’s clear that there are differing opinions on the best way forward. So, if you want to dive deeper into this topic and stay up-to-date with the latest immigration news, head on over to visaverge.com. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on all the fascinating discussions happening in the world of immigration!
This Article in a Nutshell:
Canada plans to cap the intake of international students for two years starting in 2024, reducing the number by 35% compared to the previous year. Students must also provide double the amount of funds, reflecting the cost of living. Industry experts suggest alternative methods, such as better funding for higher education and realistic expectations for permanent residence. It is crucial to collaborate to find a sustainable approach. For more information, visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
