Canada Plans Cap On International Students As Housing Crisis Deepens

Canada will consider measures to cap the number of international students in the coming months as the country wrestles with a housing shortage.

Characterizing the situation as “a system that has gotten out of control,” Miller signaled an intention to cap the number of international students entering Canada in the coming months. In an interview with CTV News, he expressed concern about the existing volume, mentioning the approximately “900,000 international students currently studying at Canadian institutions.”

While the Canadian government is contemplating specific targets, Miller opted not to disclose them immediately, stating, “We have a sense of what those numbers would look like, what the reduction of those numbers look like.” He emphasized that these discussions would first take place “around the negotiating table” with provincial colleagues.

India stands out as the largest contributor to international students in Canada. According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) data until November 2023, Indian students accounted for 215,910 out of the total 579,075, constituting over 37%. This is a decrease from the previous year’s figure of 225,835 out of 548,785, which was over 41%. The surge is notable, considering that in 2018, only 107,070 Indians received study permits, less than half of the current figure.

Canada has already implemented measures regarding international students since late last year. On December 7, IRCC announced increased financial requirements for new study permit applicants, raising the amount from CA$ 10,000 to CA$ 20,635. Additionally, starting December 2023, designated learning institutions (DLIs) are obligated to verify the acceptance letters of each applicant through the IRCC.

Miller highlighted these measures, stating, “We need to be doing our jobs and making sure that we have a system that actually makes sure people have a financial capability to come to Canada, that we’re actually verifying offer letters.” Emphasizing the need for a conversation about the impact of student volumes, Canada’s Immigration Minister stressed the importance of addressing these issues in specific areas.

Parvasi Media Group