Canadian colleges and universities are dealing with a noticeable decrease in international student applications. The government’s enforcement of a two-year cap on admissions largely contributes to this decrease. Immigration Minister Marc Miller is being strongly urged by Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada, which are made up of 234 tertiary institutions, to reconsider this measure. Concerns voiced by stakeholders highlight potential threats to Canada’s esteemed global standing and the enduring repercussions for both international and domestic student populations.
The recent legislative action imposing a cap on international student admissions for the next two years signifies a substantial decrease compared to previous years. It is expected that Canada, which intends to issue 360,000 new study permits, will experience a significant 35% reduction in admissions. The Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) acknowledges the stress placed on vital resources such as housing and healthcare due to the inflow of international students, largely attributing this shift.
Consequently, the government is prioritizing the protection of students from exploitation while working to ensure sustainable population growth. In light of the numerous challenges posed by this policy, Canadian educational institutions are strongly advocating for a postponement of its enforcement. They are demanding postponement until at least March 31 or until provinces can establish a reliable system to manage the implications effectively. Additionally, the plan entails the submission of attestation letters to IRCC from the province or territory where students intend to study. The IRCC has set a deadline for provinces and territories to establish this system by March 31, 2024, at the latest.
