Citing the need to address housing shortages and manage the rapid growth of international enrollments, the Canadian federal government has introduced significant changes to its study permit and post-graduation work permit (PGWP) system as of 1 November 2024. ”I actually think it’s not a bad idea. They’re only granting post-grad work permits for degrees in certain fields that are in demand or have labor shortages,” said Mostafa Shaarawy, a 24-year-old Egyptian graduate of mechanical engineering and now a building systems coordinator in Canada. This sentiment reflects the mixed reactions to Canada’s new policies targeting international students. One major change is the implementation of a cap on study permits, reducing the number issued to 360,000—down from 485,000 in 2023. A study permit, issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), serves as a legal authorization for foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada and remain in the country during their studies. The government’s newly introduced cap aims to control the influx of international students and alleviate concerns about housing and resource availability across Canada. According to IRCC, these measures are designed to ensure the system remains sustainable…
Canada’s New Policy for International Students: What’s the Reaction?
January 6, 2025
