Students Stand in Support of Govt in Canada

Despite the backlash, international students in Canada, specifically CK, have publicly displayed their support of the government’s initiatives towards making its higher education more foolproof. This international students in Canada news comes as a wave of relief for government officials as the students in CK appreciate the administration’s efforts towards bettering the education journey for genuine students immigrating to the country. 

Vikram Singh, holder of a Canada post graduation work permit and student at Chatham said, “The changes to the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program are significant for master's graduates like me. A 3-year work permit opens up more opportunities for gaining valuable work experience and potentially transitioning to permanent residence” 

Similar sentiments have been reflected amongst many others, who, like Singh, spoke in the background of March Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. For those unaware, Canada last month introduced a 2-year cap on international students. The international student cap Canada arrived with appreciation and backlash. The move now witnesses the approval of 360,000 new study permits for 2024, a 35% dip compared to 2023.

Provinces and territories have received individual caps, weighed by populations and more factors. The new changes also see graduate students applying from 2024 being granted a three-year work permit. The changes to Canada post-graduation work permits along with the cap on international students in Canada are not the result of rental crises and a rise of immigrants in the country. The government also tracked a general drop in the quality of education for international students and universities increased their intake of international students for financial gain. 

The smooth implementation of the cap requires study permit applications submitted after January 22, 2024, will require an attestation letter from the relevant province or territory. Provinces and territories are expected to establish a smooth process for attestation by March 31, 2024. The temporary measures put in place are subject to re-evaluation in 2025, with collaboration between the federal government, provinces, educational institutions, and institutional stakeholders. From September 1, 2024, international students in curriculum licensing arrangements will no longer be eligible for post graduation work permits. However, students in graduate-level programs will be eligible for a 3-year work flexible work permit which will allow them to extend it for more work experience.

“As an international student, I understand the challenges we face, and it's good to see steps taken to protect the system. Genuine students must receive the support they need for a successful study experience in Canada’ says Aisha Malik, a Bangladeshi student in Tilbury West.

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