OTTAWA, January 22 2024: Canada has clamped down on the raising number of international students, in fact, capping the number to 360,000 in 2024, a decrease of 35 % from 2023. The move will be in force for two years. The move looks aimed at bad actors in the education sector and issues related to housing, health care and other services. The government has blamed the education sector for just going in for revenues and not giving needed support international students need. Around 5,60,000 overseas study visas were granted in 2023.
On January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living requirement for study permit applicants was updated to better reflect the true cost of living in Canada and help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation.
The new steps starting September 1, 2024, will also see no spousal open work permits for spouses of international students outside graduate school or professional courses like medicine and law.
According to Reuters, ” The vast majority, about 40%, of foreign students come from India, with China coming in second with about 12%, according to official data from 2022.”
Talking to the press and later in a media statement, Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, “International students are vital to Canada and enrich our communities. As such, we have an obligation to ensure that they have access to the resources they need for an enriching academic experience. In Canada, today, this isn’t always the case. Today, we are announcing additional measures to protect a system that has become so lucrative that it has opened a path for its abuse. Enough is enough. Through the decisive measures announced today, we are striking the right balance for Canada and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system while setting students up for the success they hope for.”
“Canadian universities and colleges have welcomed the government’s attempt to crack down on “bad actors” recruiting unsustainable levels of international students, but say the latest measures – including a cap on students – are too broad and will harm Canada’s global reputation,” reports thepienews.com
“This sort of overall cap is drastic and a bit reactionary,” said Graham Barber, assistant director of international relations at Universities Canada. “We think what needs to be done is something a bit more precise.”
