Canada’s decision to impose a two-year cap on the admission of foreign students stems from a surge in recent years that has worsened the nation’s housing scarcity.
Last year, Canada issued nearly 1 million study permits, a figure three times higher than that of a decade ago, according to government statistics. The proposal aims to reduce this intake by almost a third.
The mechanics of the new strategy and its potential repercussions are outlined below.
Today, we announced that the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize growth, for a period of two years. Details: https://t.co/3j30asJC3i
For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study… pic.twitter.com/wAJCAnB9UW
— IRCC (@CitImmCanada) January 22, 2024
Marc Miller, Canada’s immigration minister, announced that the Liberal government will implement a temporary, two-year restriction on student visas, resulting in the issuance of approximately 364,000 visas in 2024.
The proposed measures will also impose restrictions on post-graduate work permits granted to foreign students, likely motivating them to return to their countries of origin.
These permits were previously viewed as a straightforward pathway to acquiring permanent residency. Those engaged in master’s or post-doctorate programs will qualify for a three-year work permit.
Spouses of international students enrolled in other educational tiers, such as undergraduate and college programs, will no longer be eligible, Miller confirmed.
