The Immigration Minister of Canada has cautioned universities about the possibility of the government imposing further restrictions on student visas. This comes after Canada introduced stricter measures in January aimed at reducing study permits by 35 percent compared to the previous year.
Expressing concerns, the Canadian Bureau for International Education highlighted potential unintended repercussions of such limitations.
In a statement issued on April 22, Canadian Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller emphasized the crucial role of higher education institutions in recruiting international students.
“Post-secondary institutions have a critical responsibility when recruiting students abroad, as well as supporting them here,” said Minister Miller. We have taken some important steps to strengthen the international student visa system and will not hesitate to do more if need be.
Canada Aims to Decrease International Student Permits by 35%
The Canadian government’s move in January 2024 aimed to address the escalating number of international students. The objective is to lower the number of approved study permits to 360,000, which represents a 35 percent reduction from the previous year.
Minister Miller underscored the significance of these measures in maintaining the balance of Canada’s immigration system while fostering student success.
In March 2024, Nova Scotia also announced a 35 percent decrease in international student visa allowance,” stated Brian Wong, the Minister of Advanced Education, attributing the decision to reaching the limit for accepting international student applications for the 2024-25 academic year.
CBIE Raises Concerns Over Potential ‘Unintended Repercussions’ of Visa Limit
The Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) voiced apprehensions regarding the potential consequences of the visa limit. In a statement released in January, CBIE suggested that a 35 percent decrease in student visas could send a signal that “Canada is closing its doors” to potential foreign students worldwide.
“These measures have the potential to cause irreparable harm to the EduCanada brand,” the statement read, expressing concerns about students opting for other countries in a highly competitive global market.
International Student Numbers in Canada Witness a 29% Increase in 2023
According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the number of international students with active study permits in Canada exceeded one million in 2023, marking a 29 percent increase compared to 2022.
India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, France, Iran, Nepal, Vietnam, and Mexico were among the top countries of origin for students holding study permits in Canada in 2023.