Immigration news update for the AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: International Student Program reforms and restrictions
The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years. For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits, a decrease of 35% from 2023. This cap will be allocated among provinces and territories based on their population.
Every study permit application submitted to IRCC from January 22, 2024, will require an attestation letter issued by a province or territory.
Study permit renewals will not be impacted. Those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are not included in the cap. Current study permit holders will not be affected.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program has also been affected by these changes. Work Permit eligibility for spouses of study permit holders have been restricted along with work permits eligibility for students of some institutions.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Government of Canada
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration)
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Finland: Border with Russia to remain closed
The Finnish Government has decided that the border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until April 14, 2024. Moreover, it will not be possible to submit applications for international protection at any border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Finnish Ministry of the Interior (in Finnish language)
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration) and Veronika Vitkova (Team Leader, EMEA).
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