Canada to Decrease Number of New Student Visas in 2024

The Government of Canada announced on January 22, 2024 that it will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023.  

The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship stated: 

"The integrity of the international student system has been threatened. Some institutions have significantly increased their intakes to drive revenues, and more students have been arriving in Canada without the proper supports they need to succeed. Rapid increases in the number of international students arriving in Canada also puts pressure on housing, health care and other services. As we work to better protect international students from bad actors and support sustainable population growth in Canada, the government is moving forward with measures to stabilize the number of international students in Canada." 

Students pursuing graduate degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap. Current foreign students in Canada will also not be affected.