In recent years, some institutions have significantly increased enrollment to boost revenue, resulting in a growing number of students coming to Canada without adequate support for success. The surge in international students has also strained housing, healthcare, and other services. In an effort to better protect international students from adverse factors and support sustainable population growth in Canada, the government is implementing measures to stabilize the number of international students.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller officially announced a series of additional restrictions during a cabinet meeting of the Liberal Party, stating:

• The Canadian government will reduce admissions by 35% over the next two years.
• This limit will be allocated per capita by province, based on population. Some provinces will experience more significant reductions. To implement this limit, starting January 22, 2024, all study permit applications submitted to the IRCC will also require attestation letters from a province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish attestation letter processes for students no later than March 31, 2024.
• This limit will not apply to master's and doctoral-level students. The extension of study permits will not be affected. Those seeking study permits at the elementary and high school levels will also be exempt. Current study permit holders will not be impacted.

To better refine the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program, Canada is changing conditions, including:

• Starting September 1, postgraduate work permits will no longer be granted for public-private institution models. As per previous licensing agreements, students attending private colleges were previously permitted to provide programs associated with public colleges.
• Graduates of master's programs and other short-term postgraduate programs will soon be eligible for a 3-year work permit. Under current criteria, postgraduate work permit duration is solely based on individual program lengths.
• In the coming weeks, the Canadian government will announce that open work permits will only be allowed for spouses of international students pursuing master's and doctoral programs, as well as teaching programs such as medicine and law.
• Spouses of international students attending other education levels, including undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible to apply for an open work permit.

In the upcoming weeks, open work permits will not be restricted to spouses of international students enrolled in master’s and doctoral programs. Spouses of international students in other educational levels, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer meet the eligibility criteria.

These significant measures align with recent reforms to the International Student Program. Collectively, these initiatives aim to provide genuine students with the necessary support and resources for a rewarding study experience in Canada. Simultaneously, they seek to stabilize the overall influx of students, relieving pressures on housing, healthcare, and other services in the country.