Canadian Government to issue 292,000 Study Permit approvals this year

As per the latest statement from Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, disclosed to the Globe and Mail, Canada has reserved approximately 292,000 study permits for international college and undergraduate students this year. This figure follows Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's (IRCC) implementation of a cap on study permit approvals, set at around 360,000, on 22 January 2024.

Limitations on Ministerial Authority

Minister Miller's remarks highlighted a distinction: while he can cap the number of applications processed by IRCC, he lacks the constitutional power to directly limit the issuance of visas. He outlined the process, indicating that the cap affects application intake, not the actual visa issuance, which is determined by acceptance and rejection rates.

Refinement of Cap Parameters

Further insights from the Minister revealed that the cap, set at 606,250 permits, excluded certain categories like primary and secondary school, as well as master’s and doctorate programs. Accounting for an average approval rate of 60%, this directive translates to roughly 360,000 approved study permits in 2024. This contrasts with IRCC's recently reported target of 292,200 new permits for college and undergraduate studies.

Also read- Study in Canada: Colleges, Scholarships, Fees, Courses

Provincial Role in Implementation

IRCC has delegated the task of implementing the study permit cap to provincial governments. Provinces are tasked with issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs) to eligible international students attending Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) within their jurisdiction. These letters, which must include the student's full name, date of birth, and address, indicate provincial approval for the student's study permit application.

Enhanced Application Requirements

Under the new system, study permit applicants must provide both a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) and a PAL. Previously, only an LOA was required. Provincial allocations will be based on population size. Currently, British Columbia and Alberta are the only provinces with systems in place to deliver PALs, with DLIs facilitating the process. All provinces must establish their PAL delivery systems by March 31st, 2024, as mandated by the federal government.

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To apply for immigration to Canada this year on relevant visa, you may get in touch with Visas Avenue trusted Canada Immigration and Visa consultant on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.

- Rajneesh Kumar