Ontario to Introduce New Measures to Align International Students with In-Demand Jobs

In a recent press release, Ontario unveiled its latest initiative aimed at prioritizing public postsecondary education programs geared towards facilitating graduates' entry into high-demand occupations. This move comes in response to the federal government's decision to impose a cap on the number of study permit applications from international students for the next two years, reflecting the province's commitment to meeting the evolving demands of its labor market.

Under the new measure, a significant 96% of study permit applications in Ontario will be allocated to publicly funded colleges and universities, with the remaining 4% distributed among private universities, language schools, and other provincial institutions. Notably, career colleges will not be eligible to receive any applications.

Institutions will be evaluated based on a specific criteria, including prioritizing programs in fields experiencing high demand such as skilled trades, healthcare human resources, STEM, hospitality, and childcare. Additionally, institutions will be required to adhere to 2023 permission levels, and the proportion of foreign permits cannot exceed 55% of the institution's first-year domestic enrollment from 2023, except in high-demand sectors. Furthermore, French-language enrollment will be given precedence to meet the growing need for French-speaking professionals.

To assist colleges and universities in aligning their programming with labor market demands and fostering Ontario's economic growth, the government pledges to collaborate closely with these institutions.

Furthermore, the introduction of the Ontario Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) aims to streamline the study permit application process for international students. This letter serves as confirmation that the federal government has accommodated the applicant within its maximum allotments, ensuring smoother application procedures.

To safeguard the welfare of international postsecondary students and enhance their overall academic experience in Ontario, the government has implemented various measures. These include ensuring accessible accommodation options for incoming overseas students, investing over $32 million in mental health support for postsecondary students, and proposing the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act of 2024 to bolster mental health services, promote campus safety and inclusivity, and enhance fee transparency for all students, including international ones.