Marc Miller, the Immigration Minister, revealed on Saturday that Canada is considering imposing limits on international students. The government is considering this potential move in response to the escalating challenges posed by unemployment and housing. Despite this, Miller did not mention the exact extent of the reduction being considered by the immigration system.
Expressing notable concerns, Miller highlighted the current high inflow of international students in Canada, cautioning that it might spiral ‘out of control.’ Moreover, the minister highlighted the immediate need to address housing demands, particularly in the first and second quarters of the year. Additionally, Miller stressed the importance of continuous efforts to ensure that aspiring individuals have the financial means to come to Canada. He urged the verification of offer letters and initiated discussions regarding the number of applications and their potential impact on specific regions.
While acknowledging the complexity of the issue and the differing circumstances in various provinces, Miller made it clear that imposing a cap on international students alone wouldn’t be a comprehensive solution to the housing shortage problem. He referenced the growing number of international students and ongoing government-led housing initiatives.
Miller also stressed the importance of managing the average age of the workforce, although specific details were not disclosed. Nevertheless, he presented the federal government’s plan to implement a cap on international student admissions. This decision comes against the backdrop of the Canadian government facing recent criticism due to a severe shortage of housing.
