In a recent interview with CFUR Radio, the College of New Caledonia’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Interim VP Academic, Shelley Carter-Rose, revealed that CNC is bracing for significant program changes and potential layoffs following recent federal immigration policy shifts.
The changes, which don’t affect universities like UNBC but hit colleges hard across Canada, stem from new requirements that college programs must align with specific Classification of Instructional Programming (CIP) codes for international students to be eligible for post-graduate work permits.
“That is the real game changer,” Carter-Rose explained to CFUR’s Ian Gregg. “When students come to Canada to study, the majority want to stay in Canada to work. If you’re not in one of those programs aligned to the CIP codes, then you’re not eligible for a work permit.”
The impact is already being felt. While CNC’s fall 2024 enrollment wasn’t affected thanks to early booking, January intake is looking quite different. International applications have dropped significantly as students choose other countries for their studies. The college now finds itself in a position where it cannot ethically accept international students into programs that won’t qualify them for work permits after graduation.
But it’s not just about numbers on a page. International students, who pay higher tuition fees, have been vital to CNC’s financial health and campus culture. “They bring diversity and cultural awareness,” Carter-Rose noted. “They’re very involved in our student life and student engagement exercises.”
The silver lining? CNC’s domestic enrollment has been growing over the past three years. The college is now doubling down on local recruitment across all four of its academic schools – trades, health, business, and more.
For current and prospective students wondering about the future, Carter-Rose emphasized transparency: “We’re working through budget reviews, looking for efficiencies.” While some programs and services will face cuts, the college is focusing on maintaining programs that meet community needs.
The situation highlights a broader shift in Canadian post-secondary education, where colleges must adapt to changing immigration policies while trying to maintain their role as vital community institutions. For now, CNC is taking it one step at a time, reviewing existing programs and keeping communication channels open with staff and students alike.
Students interested in learning more about affected programs or upcoming changes can stay tuned to CNC’s official communications or contact the college’s student services office for the latest updates.
