In response to concerns regarding the rising numbers of international students and their impact on the housing market, the Canadian government has announced a significant two-year cap on student visas. This measure, outlined by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aims to curb the unsustainable growth of the international student population, particularly in provinces experiencing the most strain.
For 2024, approximately 360,000 undergraduate study permits will be approved, marking a 35% reduction from the previous year. This allocation will be distributed among provinces and territories based on population, leading to notable decreases in areas where international student numbers have surged the most. Some regions will see a reduction of about 50% in permits issued.
The decision on how to distribute these permits among educational institutions within each province and territory will be left to local authorities. This cap, intended as a temporary measure, will be re-evaluated at the end of 2024 for potential adjustments in 2025.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller holds a news conference on Monday in Montreal, where the Trudeau cabinet is holding a three-day retreat. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
Miller highlighted the federal government’s focus on targeting small private colleges that have exploited the influx of international students by offering subpar education and support while charging exorbitant fees. To further regulate the entry of international students, an attestation letter from a province or territory will be required for permit applications, ensuring students receive the quality of education they expect.
Additionally, changes to the post-graduation work permit program were announced. Starting in September, international students enrolled in programs under a curriculum licensing arrangement with private colleges will be ineligible for a post-graduation work permit. However, graduates from master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon have the opportunity to apply for a three-year work permit, and open work permits will be available to the spouses of students in master’s and doctoral programs.
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These adjustments follow earlier comments by Miller, likening some educational practices to “the diploma equivalent of puppy mills,” and reflect a broader effort to manage the flow of international students into Canada responsibly. The changes also hint at a desire for provincial governments to play a more active role in managing post-secondary education funding and address public concerns over housing affordability impacted by the influx of international students.
Mike Moffatt, an assistant professor at the Ivey Business School, emphasized the necessity of this intervention, noting the varying impact of international student numbers on local housing markets. With the federal government’s new policy, there’s anticipation that some pressure on housing, particularly in cities with large student populations, will be alleviated, aligning with efforts to increase housing construction rates as stated by Housing Minister Sean Fraser.
This policy represents a significant shift in Canada’s approach to managing international student admissions, signaling a more regulated and balanced strategy aimed at benefiting educational quality, student welfare, and the broader community.
