7 things you should know before becoming an international student in Canada this 2024 and how IDP can help

On January 22, 2024, the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that the country will only grant 360,000 student permits to international students from around the globe this year. That is a 35% decrease from student permits issued in 2023.

The decision reflects the government's commitment to prioritize the quality of education provided to international students. By carefully managing the influx of new students, Canada aims to enhance the overall student experience, ensuring access to resources, support services, and a positive learning environment.

IRCC furthered that the new measures will apply in 2024 and 2025, and the number of study permits to be granted next year will be reassessed at the end of 2024.

To help you better understand these changes and how these can affect your plans, we’ve highlighted seven important things that you should know before becoming an international student in Canada:

1) Two-Year Cap for International Students

Starting 2024, Canada will implement a two-year cap on international student permit applications, reducing the number of international students to be accepted and intensifying competition among aspiring international student applicants.

IDP is partnered with more than 130 schools and universities across Canada, so you can be confident that you have more options to ensure your successful application.

2) New Study Permit Requirement

Effective January 22, 2024, study permit applications submitted to IRCC will now require an attestation letter from the student's intended province or territory of study. This requirement applies to students pursuing bachelor's degrees, certificate and diploma programs, as well as English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in Canada.

IDP provides free assistance in your school and study permit applications. Your IDP Education Counselor can guide you for free in preparing the most updated and accurate requirements needed for studying in Canada to help you increase your chances of getting accepted to your chosen institution.

3) Study Permit Renewals

Current study permit holders will not be affected by the cap. Study visas lodged before January 22, 2024, will not be affected.

Study permit renewals will also not be impacted. Moreover, those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap.

Consult your IDP Education Counselor for free assistance on your study application, if you want to pursue any level of study in Canada.

4) Show Money Requirement

The cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants has been raised to $20,635 CAD per single applicant starting January 1, 2024, so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada.

The amount will also vary depending on whether the international student intends to bring dependents while studying in Canada.

Your IDP Education Counselor can assist you with the updated computation of your show money.

5) Post-Graduation Work Permit

Starting September 1, 2024, international students enrolled in study programs under a curriculum licensing arrangement will no longer qualify for a post-graduation work permit upon completing their studies.

Meanwhile, graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit.

Consult your IDP Education Counselor to discover the in-demand skills and programs to increase your chances of securing a job in Canada after your studies.

6) Dependents of international students

Open work permits will only be available to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs beginning September 1, 2024. The spouses of international students in other levels of study, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible.

7) During these times of rapid changes and confusion, IDP is here to lead the way

All these changes, as well as the process of embarking on a study abroad journey, can feel overwhelming.

But you don't have to worry because this is where IDP thrives. We provide the guiding path to aspiring international students and ensure that your study in Canada journey is smooth and hassle-free!

Seek help from IDP and avail of our free study abroad services from course search up to pre-departure and onshore activities. Consult an IDP Education Counselor today.