Ontario lists priorities for the allocation of international study permits
The Government of Ontario, a Canadian province, has announced a new approach to allocating international study permits, giving priority to postsecondary programs at public institutions.
This decision aims to better prepare graduates for in-demand jobs aligning with Ontario’s labor market needs.
As a result, career colleges, typically private institutions, will no longer receive study permit applications from international students.
This announcement follows Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) decision to limit the issuance of study permits to international students across Canada for 2024 and 2025.
The restriction mainly affects undergraduate international students, excluding those in primary and secondary schools, as well as master’s and doctoral degree seekers.
Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, emphasized the importance of attracting top international talent to Ontario, stating:
“We are safeguarding the integrity of our province’s postsecondary education system by attracting the best and brightest international students to study in areas critical to our economy.”
How the study permits will be allocated
Study permits will predominantly be allocated to public universities and colleges in Ontario, accounting for 96% of all permits.
The remaining permits will be distributed among language schools, private universities, and other provincial institutions, excluding career colleges.
Ontario’s provincial government will prioritize programs in high-demand areas such as skilled trades, health sciences, STEM fields, hospitality, and childcare.
Additionally, there will be a focus on French-language enrollment to meet employer demand for French-speaking workers.
Key details about Canada Ontario’s study permit allocation for 2024 include:
Permits allocated to an institution cannot exceed the number issued in 2023.
The ratio of international permits cannot exceed 55% (excluding high-demand areas) of an institution’s 2023 first-year domestic enrollment.
All public Ontario universities except Algoma University will maintain applications at 2023 levels.
Eleven of Ontario’s 24 public colleges will also maintain applications at 2023 levels.
