Minister Miller Releases Statement Regarding Allocation of International Students to Provinces and Territories

Statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada: International Student Allocations to Provinces and Territories

Statement

Ottawa, April 5, 2024—The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, released the following update:

“In response to the escalating number of international students in Canada, I previously unveiled a national cap on study permit applications on January 22. As we move forward, I am pleased to reveal the finalized provincial and territorial allocations for 2024. This statement aims to transparently outline the figures and the methodology behind our decision-making process.

Transitioning to a Net Zero Growth Model in the Inaugural Year

The methodology behind setting the national cap is rooted in aligning the influx of international students with the number of expiring study permits within the same year. In essence, for 2024, our aim is to maintain equilibrium by accommodating the same number of incoming international students as those whose permits are set to expire, totaling 485,000 approved study permits.

“Recognizing that approximately 20% of students seek permit extensions annually and remain in Canada, we deduct this figure (97,000) from the initial target, alongside allocating a minor buffer for potential variations. Consequently, this refines our target to 364,000 approved study permits for 2024.

“Factoring in the national approval rate of 60% for study permit applications, the adjusted target of 364,000 translates to a cap of 606,000 study permit applications anticipated for the year.

“However, certain categories of international students are exempt from this cap, such as those in primary and secondary schools or pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees. By deducting the estimated volume of these exempt groups (140,000 based on 2023 data) from the target number of approved study permits, our revised target for 2024 stands at 236,000 approved study permits, equivalent to approximately 393,000 study permit applications to be distributed.

Completing the Allocation Process for Provinces and Territories

IRCC has distributed the adjusted number of study permit applications, totaling 393,000, across provinces and territories based on their respective population shares. This approach ensures a fair distribution, albeit resulting in varied impacts on different regions.

“In provinces where the population share indicates an increase in international students compared to 2023, we’ve capped growth at 10% to manage the expansion. Conversely, for provinces expecting fewer students, we’ve adjusted allocations to mitigate the initial decline and align with broader regional immigration objectives.

“Additionally, IRCC has supplemented allocations for provinces with approval rates below 60%, aiding them in reaching their expected permit approval figures for 2024.

“The cumulative allocation under the national cap stands at approximately 552,000 study permit applications, projected to yield around 292,000 approved permits. This reflects a 28% reduction from 2023 for groups included under the cap.

“Numerous factors may influence actual arrivals in 2024, such as provinces utilizing their full allocations, potential changes in approval rates, and necessary in-year adjustments.

“These outcomes will inform decisions regarding 2025 allocations. The detailed allocation model is provided below.

“We remain committed to collaborating with provinces and territories to enhance the International Student Program, ensuring international students receive the necessary support for success in Canada.

ALLOCATION MODEL