Canada’s government has revealed plans to implement a two-year cap on the number of international student visas in an effort to alleviate the strain on housing, healthcare, and other services, and to uphold the integrity of the country’s immigration system. The new measures are also meant to counter the exploitation of the international student program by certain institutions.
The cap, announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, will result in a significant reduction, with a 35% cut in new study visas expected in 2024. This is aimed at supporting the sustainability of temporary residence in Canada and setting international students up for success. The decision is in response to an unprecedented surge in the number of international students over the past decade, which has led to significant challenges in the housing and healthcare sectors.
The cap will not apply to master’s and doctoral students, marking an exemption for those pursuing advanced degrees. Despite the reduction in approved study permits, the Canadian government expects to approve around 360,000 undergraduate study permits this year, with each province and territory being allotted a portion of the total based on population and current student intake.
The new policy also echoes the government’s emphasis on affordability and housing, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Cabinet retreat in Montreal prioritizes addressing these critical issues. The move is part of a broader effort to ensure that the international student program operates sustainably and maintains its integrity to benefit both students and the country as a whole.
In conclusion, Canada’s decision to impose a temporary cap on international student visas underscores the government’s commitment to alleviating the strains on housing, healthcare, and other services caused by the rapid influx of international students. By upholding the integrity of the education system and addressing the exploitation of the international student program, Canada aims to create a more sustainable and successful environment for students and the country’s broader population.
