Canada has implemented a two-year cap on international student permits, with an immediate halt to issuing work permits to certain postgraduate students. The move is aimed at addressing the escalating housing crisis in the country. The immigration ministry announced that the two-year cap would result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, representing a 35% decrease from the previous year.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the federal government will collaborate with provinces, which oversee the educational system, to implement the cap. The primary reason cited for the cap is to protect students attending colleges that are often private-public partnerships providing inadequate services at high costs. Additionally, the measure aims to alleviate pressure on housing and other essential services.
Miller highlighted that certain private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking adequate student support, and charging high tuition fees. This exploitation has occurred alongside a significant increase in the intake of international students, further straining housing, healthcare, and other services. Miller emphasized that reducing the number of international students would help lower rent prices.
The housing crisis in Canada has been exacerbated by rapid population growth, primarily fueled by immigration. The surge in population has strained services such as healthcare and education. With polls indicating potential challenges for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the housing crisis has become a significant political issue. Trudeau’s Liberal Party faces declining support, and issues related to immigration and housing are likely influencing public opinion.
The third quarter of the previous year saw a rapid increase in the population, with non-permanent residents, mainly students, growing by 312,758 – the most significant increase in over five decades. The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), a student advocacy group, criticized the cap, arguing that more support and housing for international students are needed, rather than restrictions.
Mateusz Salmassi, the Director of Advocacy at CASA, expressed concerns about the cap being a reaction to the housing crisis without addressing the root issues. He emphasized that international students require more support and housing solutions rather than restrictive measures.
While the cap has faced criticism from student advocacy groups, the University of Toronto welcomed the announcement. The university stated that it would collaborate with all levels of government on the allocation of study permits. According to the University of Toronto, the changes are intended to address abuses in the system by specific actors and are not meant to negatively impact universities.
Canada has been facing challenges related to the affordability and availability of housing, particularly in major urban centers. The housing crisis has led to soaring real estate prices, making homeownership and rental accommodations increasingly unaffordable for many Canadians. The introduction of the two-year cap on international student permits is part of the government’s broader efforts to address the housing crunch and ease the strain on public services.
The move to restrict international student permits aligns with ongoing debates about the economic and social impacts of immigration in Canada. While immigration is a key driver of economic growth, it also poses challenges related to infrastructure, housing, and public services. Striking a balance between welcoming immigrants and addressing the associated challenges remains a complex task for policymakers.
As Canada grapples with the consequences of its immigration policies, the decision to cap international student permits reflects an attempt to manage population growth and alleviate pressure on housing and services. The effectiveness and implications of this measure will become clearer over the next two years as the cap is implemented and its impact on various stakeholders, including students, institutions, and the broader community, is assessed.