{"id":9551,"date":"2024-02-13T10:09:44","date_gmt":"2024-02-13T18:09:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/heronlaw.ca\/taking-the-blame-recent-changes-to-the-international-student-program-in-canada\/"},"modified":"2024-02-13T10:09:44","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T18:09:44","slug":"taking-the-blame-recent-changes-to-the-international-student-program-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/heronlaw.ca\/zh-hans\/taking-the-blame-recent-changes-to-the-international-student-program-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking the Blame: Recent Changes to the International Student Program in Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Laura Schemitsch, Canadian Immigration and Refugee Lawyer, Heron Law Offices<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In 2023, Canada experienced a dramatic shift in public opinion surrounding immigration. An October 2022 poll by the Environics Institute<\/a> found that 7 out of 10 Canadians were supportive of immigration levels at the time, the largest majority recorded by Environics in 45 years. In stark contrast, a November 2023 poll by Leger<\/a> indicated that 75% of Canadians believe immigrants are contributing to the housing crisis<\/a> and putting pressure on the health care system. In the last quarter of 2023, anti-immigrant, and in particular, anti-international student sentiments were noticeably on the rise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Environics Institute<\/a>, Canada\u2019s population rose by more than 1 million people in 2022 with immigration accounting for \u201cvirtually all of Canada\u2019s net labour force growth.\u201d  The need for immigration<\/a> is largely due to Canada\u2019s aging population, with 5 million Canadians set to retire by 2030. A 2023 report<\/a> by Desjardins\u2019 Senior Director of Canadian Economics, argues that Canada needs even more immigrants to counter its aging population and the federal government must \u201cmarry immigration policy with immediate action to increase the housing supply.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the importance of immigration for Canada\u2019s longevity, recent reports<\/a> reveal waning support for immigration amongst Canadians. Unfortunately, international students appear to have become scapegoats<\/a> in the media and subsequently in public opinion with regards to Canada\u2019s housing crisis. It is worth noting<\/a> that international students contribute over $22.3 billion per year to the Canadian economy, which is greater than exports of auto parts, lumber, or aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was not surprising then, on January 22, 2024, when the Government of Canada announced<\/a> substantial changes to Canada\u2019s international student program including a two year cap on applications in response to the \u201chousing crunch<\/a>.\u201d In 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits which represents an intake decrease of 35%. The 2025 gap is set to be assessed at the end of this upcoming year.  The announcement has been met with both support and criticism<\/a> for \u201cblaming immigrants for bad policies<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various important changes to the International Student Program are outlined below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On January 22, 2024, IRCC announced that every study permit application submitted to IRCC would also require an attestation letter from a province or territory. Provinces and territories were expected to establish a process for issuing these letters by March 31, 2024. IRCC will return any application received that does not include a PAL, unless otherwise exempt.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On January 30, 2024, Universities Canada and CIC Canada sent a joint letter<\/a> to Minister Miller to convey their \u201csignificant concern\u201d regarding the caps to the International Student Program. The letter urged IRCC to hold off on imposing the PAL requirement for college and undergraduate study permit applications until at least March 31, 2024, or until the provinces establish effective processes and to consult with the sector to mitigate the negative impacts of the policy with Canada\u2019s global reputation as a top education destination \u201cat stake\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our foremost concern is the moratorium on processing new international student study permits, especially for college and undergraduate students. This sudden halt while provinces establish attestation systems is already impacting enrollments. The absence of a pre-existing process in most provinces compounds the issue, hindering eligible students from obtaining study permits. Faced with uncertainty, these students are likely to choose alternative destinations, posing a significant risk to Canada\u2019s post-secondary sector and hindering our efforts to attract global talent for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The potential consequences are difficult to overstate. The cap will have far-reaching effects on Canadian communities, given that international students play a pivotal role in bolstering the economy by contributing over $22 billion a year to our country. Their contributions are vital in sustaining local labour markets, increasing diversity and meeting the demands of high-growth sectors. The policy\u2019s impact extends far beyond institutions, affecting businesses and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On February 5, 2024, IRCC provided further updates to the PAL:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Who needs a provincial attestation letter?<\/p>\n\n\n\n