Canada has introduced several new rules for international students in 2024, including:
- Study permit caps
Canada has reduced the number of study permits by 35% in 2024, and will further reduce them by 10% in 2025:
- 2024: About 360,000 study permits will be awarded
- 2025: A maximum of 437,000 study permits will be awarded
- Work hours
Students can work up to 24 hours per week off campus while classes are in session
- Study permit applications
Students must apply for and be approved for a new study permit before changing learning institutions
- Designated learning institutions (DLIs)
DLIs that fail to submit compliance reports or verify acceptance letters could be suspended from welcoming new international students for up to a year
- Provincial or territorial attestation letter
Master’s and doctoral students will need to submit a provincial or territorial attestation letter
These changes aim to:
- Alleviate pressure on housing, resources, and infrastructure
- Ensure sustainable development
- Strengthen the integrity of the International Student Program
