Maple News reports that Ontario will allocate 96% of its 2024 international study permits to public universities and colleges, as the province aligns its academic immigration strategy with labour market demands. Only 4% of permits will be distributed among language schools, private universities, and other educational institutions, while career colleges are excluded altogether.
The announcement, made by the Government of Ontario, emphasizes support for programs that prepare students for high-demand sectors across the province. These sectors include skilled trades, healthcare, science and technology (STEM), hospitality, and childcare. In a notable effort to bolster bilingual labour capacity, Ontario will also prioritize French-language enrolment.
This policy update follows the federal cap introduced earlier this year by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), aimed at limiting undergraduate international study permits nationwide through 2025. Notably, this federal cap does not apply to elementary/secondary students or those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
To manage the changes effectively, Ontario has implemented several institutional limits. No university or college will receive more study permits than it did in 2023. Furthermore, except for designated high-demand sectors, the number of international students at an institution cannot surpass 55% of its first-year domestic enrolment from that year. Algoma University will see a decrease in allocations, while 11 of Ontario’s 24 public colleges will maintain their 2023 permit levels. Colleges with public-private partnerships, like Conestoga College, will face the most significant reductions.
Compared to other provinces, Ontario is taking a more conservative stance. While British Columbia is allocating nearly half of its international study permits to private post-secondary institutions, Ontario is directing almost all permits to public institutions. IRCC has not disclosed Ontario’s final quota figures, but it’s expected the province will receive the highest allocation due to its population size.
Meanwhile, Ontario is finalizing its process for issuing Provincial Attestation Letters (PALs), a federal requirement for international students applying for study permits. While a precise launch date is pending, PALs must be implemented province-wide by March 31, 2024. Prospective students are advised to contact their Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) directly. Institutions will apply for PALs on students’ behalf via the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, and students will receive the attestation letters through their schools once approved.
This strategic shift marks a coordinated effort to balance education, immigration, and workforce development, as Ontario adapts to federal immigration reforms while addressing local labour shortages.