Canada to Impose Cap on International Students Due to Housing Crisis and Unemployment

In response to the prevailing housing crisis and rising unemployment rates, Canada has decided to implement a cap on the number of international students entering the country. Mark Miller, Canada’s immigration minister, announced the decision during a recent interview, expressing concerns over the situation being “out of control.” However, specific numbers regarding the cap were not disclosed by the minister.

The move comes amid a substantial increase in the influx of international students to Canada, with over 800,000 recorded in 2022 compared to 275,000 in 2012, according to official data. While Minister Miller clarified that the reduction in foreign student numbers is not a direct solution to the housing crisis, it is seen as a measure to address the challenges posed by the significant growth in the international student population.

Canada has long been a preferred destination for global students due to its liberal policies on work permits, allowing students to gain valuable work experience while pursuing their education. The decision to cap international student numbers reflects the government’s commitment to manage the impact on housing availability and employment opportunities in the country.