CIMM – Q-2115 – February 28, 2024

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Question No: Q-2115

By: Mr. Uppal (Edmonton Mill Woods)

Date: December 12, 2023

Reply by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Paul Chiang, M.P.

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Minister or Parliamentary Secretary

Question

With regard to visas for international students in Canada: how many international students are (i) currently studying in Canada, (ii) studying at institutions accredited by Universities Canada, (iii) in post-graduate studies, (iv) studying at institutions accredited by the National Association of Career Colleges?

Original Text: X

Reply

Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:

IRCC does not possess information about the number of international students holding study permits who are currently residing in Canada. This is primarily because individuals, can leave the country at any point in time after arrival. However, as a proxy, IRCC holds information on the total number of study permit holders.

1. On November 30, 2023, 981,192 study permit holders held a valid permit;
2. 336,636 of these study permit holders were studying at institutions recognized by Universities Canada;
3. 129,792 of these study permit holders were in post-graduate studies; and,
4. This data is not tracked by IRCC.

Notes:

• Data is based on preliminary estimates and subject to change.
• Study Permits are valid as of November 30, 2023.
• Clients’ most recent study permit is considered.
• Clients’ Designated Learning Institutions (DLI) were based on their recent permit, and crossreferenced with those listed on the website for Universities Canada: https://www.univcan.ca/universities/member-universities/.
• Also note that Universities Canada is a membership organization and not an official accrediting organization.
• Study level of client is based on this recent permit.
• Post Graduate Studies is defined as the identified level of study being for either a Masters or a Doctorate