Author Archives: Abdul

Canada international students cap: British Columbia announces new Provincial Attestation Letter system
British Columbia, a top destination for international students in Canada, will introduce provincial attestation letters for eligible post-secondary institutions, aligning with federal immigration requirements. Effective March 4, 2024, these letters are now mandatory for new study permit applications. With an allocation of 83,000 undergraduate permits, a decrease from 2023, the federal government anticipates approving around 50,000 permits in 2024. Minister Lisa Beare underscores the province’s swift response to support institutions and students. The attestation letter, a verification document, will confirm an applicant’s inclusion within federal quotas. The distribution prioritizes public institutions, aiming to sustain international programs while accommodating growth.

New Zealand endeavors to enhance the efficiency of student visa processing, with plans to bolster staffing and modernize equipment. Despite the strides, applicants are urged to meticulously review submissions for compliance. With a notable surge in applications, reaching 31,588 in 2023-2024, officials anticipate continued growth. Rejection rates have decreased by 43%, largely due to improved communication and clearer guidelines. However, thoroughness remains paramount, as incomplete applications often lead to refusals. The nation offers various visa options, each tailored to specific educational pursuits, ensuring a smoother transition for international students.

Australia’s net overseas migration expected to decline, government tightens student visa approval

Australia’s net overseas migration, particularly in international student visas, is declining due to government tightening, with over 90,000 student approvals expected to decrease this financial year. The decline was attributed to efforts to deter work-seeking applicants. The total number of student visas approved is significantly lower than the previous year’s record, reflecting a trend of decreasing approvals and escalating concerns about program integrity. Education Minister Jason Clare also affirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing Australia’s higher education sector reputation and combating exploitation through migration strategy and integrity measures.

UK universities to review international student admissions after recruitment controversy
UK universities are reviewing international student admissions following controversy over recruitment practices, including concerns about “bad practice” among agents. Universities UK, representing university leaders, is conducting reviews into the use of recruitment agents and international foundation programs. The aim is to ensure fairness, transparency, and robustness in the admissions process, amid accusations of lowering entry standards for international students. The reviews will also examine entry requirements for international foundation courses and update the admissions code of practice to clarify its applicability to international students.

New Zealand visa: Application process for students and immigrants completely online now.
New Zealand has transitioned the application process for Permanent Resident Visa, Second or Subsequent Resident Visa, and Variation of Travel Conditions to an entirely online system as of January this year. Physical document submissions, except in special circumstances, are no longer required, and applicants can check their application status online. It is also essential to meet all eligibility criteria before applying to prevent potential rejections, and the online system provides convenience for tracking the application status.

More than one million people have a valid Canadian study permit
Canada’s international student population has breached the one million mark, according to the Globe and Mail, which cites information from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC data noted there were 1,028,850 international students in Canada at the end of December 2023, as well as the following numbers: 526,015 international students in Ontario, 202,565 in British Columbia, and 117,925 in Quebec. These are also the provinces with the highest number of Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs), which Immigration Minister Marc Miller previously asked the provincial governments to speak with to “rein in” their numbers. In 2022, there were 807,260 international students in Canada, with the minister expressing last fall the expectation of having over 900,000 by the end of 2023.