The federal government has announced that it will impose a temporary cap on all international student admissions.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller made the announcement Monday and said the government measures would ensure no further growth in the number of international students in Canada for 2024.

The new limit means there will be a 35 per cent reduction in student visas across the country, for an approximate total of 360,000 approved study permits country-wide.

Miller said that number will vary, with provinces like Ontario seeing a reduction of up to 50 per cent or more.

The cap will be spread out across the country, with each province and territory being given a set number of eligible applicant spaces.

Additionally, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will now require all study permits to include an attestation letter from a province or territory.

Miller said that private institutions have been taking advantage of the current system.

“It’s unacceptable … by operating under-resourced campuses, a lack of support for students and charge high tuition fees, all the while increasing their intake of international students.”

The IRCC says that the sudden surge in international students has put a heavy strain on housing, health care and other services.

The measure will also limit who is eligible for open work permits.

“Thirdly, in the coming weeks — open work permits will only be allowed and be available to spouses of international students enrolled in masters and doctorate programs, as well as professional programs such as medicine and law,” Miller said.

“Spouses of international students enrolled in other levels of study, including undergrad and college programs, will no longer be eligible.”

The new limit will not be applied to those looking to extend their current studies.

Miller said the cap will be reevaluated at the end of the two years in 2025.