Canada's study permit cap: Impact on Indian students

Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller unveiled details of the national cap on study permits for international students in 2024. This announcement particularly affects Indian students, who constitute a significant portion of Canada's international student population.

Net Zero First Year Growth Model

Minister Miller introduced the Net Zero First Year Growth Model to maintain a steady number of international students in Canada. The plan aims to address the rapid increase in international student numbers.

Canada plans to welcome 485,000 new international students in 2024, based on the expected number of expiring study permits. Adjustments were made to this target considering factors like annual extensions. The revised target stands at 364,000 approved study permits, translating to a cap of 606,000 study permit applications received for 2024.

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Allocation to provinces

The adjusted target of 364,000 study permits was allocated among provinces and territories based on population share. Provinces experiencing growth exceeding 10% compared to 2023 had their allocations adjusted to limit growth. Conversely, provinces with declines were supported to mitigate negative impacts.

The allocations are expected to yield approximately 292,000 approved study permits, representing a 28% reduction from 2023 for the groups included under the cap. Factors like provinces utilizing their full allocations, changes in approval rates, and potential adjustments may influence the actual number of new international students arriving in Canada in 2024.

This new study permit cap reflects Canada's effort to manage international student intake and maintain a balanced approach to immigration.

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