Canada Implements Two-Year Cap on Foreign Student Visas Amid Record Immigration

In response to escalating housing pressures and the strain on services due to record immigration, Canada has announced a two-year cap on international student visas. Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed plans for a 35% reduction in new study visas in 2024, citing concerns about fraudulent activity and its impact on housing and healthcare services.

The move aims to address challenges within Canada’s international students program and prevent further strain on critical services. Miller expressed the need to bring more control to the situation, highlighting the complexities and issues associated with the current state of the program.

Under the new measures, the number of new visas issued will be capped at 364,000, representing a significant reduction from the nearly 560,000 visas issued in the previous year. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet retreat in Montreal is expected to prioritize affordability and housing, reflecting the government’s commitment to addressing the broader challenges posed by rapid population growth.

With approximately 1 million foreign students currently in the country, the government emphasizes the importance of intervention to prevent the unchecked increase in their numbers. The total number of foreign students has more than tripled over the past decade.

Miller pointed out concerns about unscrupulous schools taking advantage of high tuition fees paid by foreign students without delivering a quality education. Some schools are seen as conduits for students seeking permanent residency in Canada, leading to the issuance of study permits to individuals attending questionable institutions.

The immigration minister clarified that the intention of the program is not to facilitate the entry of individuals with sham degrees or degrees obtained through questionable practices. The government aims to ensure the integrity of the international student program and address issues such as schools offering dubious courses.

Opposition Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the situation, describing it as a mess and placing blame on Trudeau for granting study permits to students attending what he termed as fake schools.