Universities Canada’s response to Minister Miller’s announcement on international student caps

OTTAWA—This morning Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC), Marc Miller announced changes to Canada’s international student program. Universities Canada is studying the announcement to understand the implications for Canadian universities.

We are concerned that the cap per province is going to add stress on an already stressed system and until more information is provided as to how each province will be rolling out this new program, it is difficult to comment on its effect on Canada’s universities.

We do welcome the announcement that current study permit holders will not be affected, that master’s and PhD students will be exempt from the cap and that they will soon be eligible to apply for a three-year work permit. We believe the key measure to remove eligibility to the post graduation work permit for international students who begin a study program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement with an associated public college will go a long way to addressing the issues the department is looking at.

However, we anticipate the need for letters of attestation from each province could significantly affect processing times which could lead to students choosing to pursue post-secondary study in other countries.

We will continue to advocate on behalf of international students who provide important knowledge, diversity and skills to our campuses and workforce, and we must continue to welcome them to study at Canadian universities.