On Monday, January 23, 2024, the IRCC — Canada’s department responsible for immigration matters — announced that the Canadian Government is setting a cap on the intake of international students, among other immigration law changes.
According to a statement from the department, the decision became necessary as “the integrity of the international student system has been threatened”. The influx of international students has put pressure on housing, healthcare and other services in the country.
Canada remains one of the top destinations for Nigerians looking to relocate in search of greener pastures. So if you’re a Nigerian considering Canada for your studies or relocation plan, here’s what you should know about the latest development.
No more spousal work permits for undergraduates
The IRCC will stop granting work permits to spouses of international undergraduate students. Spouses of international graduate school students or students taking a professional programme (medicine or law) remain eligible for open work permits.
A cap on study permits
The IRCC plans to approve approximately 360,000 study permits in 2024, a 35% decrease from 2023. This intake cap will last for a period of two years. 2025’s limit will be announced later this year.
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Provincial study permits based on population
The IRCC will apportion study permits to Canadian provinces based on their population. The provinces will be free to distribute the study permits across the available learning institutions authorised to admit international students. Henceforth, study permits submitted to the IRCC will require an attestation letter from the province or territory. A process for applying for an attestation letter will be announced before March 2024.
No postgraduate study permit for graduates of private career colleges
According to the IRCC, starting on September 1, 2024, international students who physically attend private career colleges that have been licensed to deliver the curriculum of a public college will no longer be eligible for a postgraduate work permit after graduation.
Want to know why many Nigerians are migrating? Read this: What Incidents Triggered Nigeria’s Japa Wave Since 2018?
