Canada's federal government, led by Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller, has announced a cap on the number of student visas over the next two years.
The objective is to address concerns about the impact of growing international student numbers on the housing market and target institutions identified as "bad actors." Miller disclosed that in 2024, the government plans to approve 360,000 undergraduate study permits, aiming for a 35% reduction from 2023. Provinces and territories will be allocated a share based on population, leading to more substantial decreases where international student populations have surged unsustainably. This measure empowers provinces to determine permit distribution across universities and colleges.
The cap, in effect for two years, will be reassessed in 2025. Minister Miller emphasized that these measures are not against individual international students but aim to ensure the quality of education and support they receive.
Additionally, new requirements include an attestation letter and changes to post-graduation work permits for specific programs, signaling a comprehensive approach to address housing and educational concerns
