To address housing concerns and regulate certain educational institutions, Canada has introduced an immediate two-year cap on new international student visas. Immigration Minister Marc Miller spearheads this initiative to manage the influx of non-permanent residents, particularly in provinces grappling with housing shortages. (Immigrant Updates Canada India)
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Immigrant Updates Canada India
Crucial Changes:
Under the two-year cap, a substantial 35% reduction in new study visas is set for 2024, anticipating 364,000 new approved permits. This move responds to heightened pressure on the federal government from provinces managing housing crises while witnessing an increase in non-permanent residents.
Potential Effect on Indian Students:
This development could affect Indian students significantly, as they constitute a significant number of study permit holders in Canada. With 319,000 students in 2022, India tops the list of origin countries, making it a favoured destination for higher studies.
Addressing “Bad Actors” Immigrant Updates Canada India:
Minister Miller stresses that the cap addresses concerns about specific small private colleges exploiting international students. By targeting institutional “bad actors,” the government aims to curb practices where under-resourced institutions charge high tuition fees, lack student support, and provide substandard education.
Provincial Allocation and Distribution:
Provinces and territories play a crucial role in distributing permits among universities and colleges in their jurisdictions. Some provinces may experience a total reduction of around 50% in permits. The cap remains in place for two years, with a reassessment of permit numbers scheduled for 2025.
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Additional Measures Immigrant Updates Canada India:
In addition to the cap, international students seeking permits must now provide an attestation letter from a province or territory. These measures are not meant to penalise individual students but rather to ensure the quality of education aligns with expectations.
Changes to Post-Graduation Work Permit:
Starting in September, international students in curriculum licensing arrangements with private colleges will no longer be eligible for post-graduation work permits. However, graduates of master’s and other short graduate-level programs will soon be able to apply for a three-year work permit. Open work permits will also be extended to spouses of international students in master’s and doctoral programs.
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Political Responses:
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre attributes the situation to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s “incompetence,” emphasising federal responsibility for study permits. New Democratic Party leader Jenny Kwan criticises Trudeau’s mismanagement, expressing concern that the cap may impact talented students seeking a better life.
Canada’s decision to impose a two-year cap on international student visas reflects the government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges and ensuring the quality of education for incoming students. The potential impact on Indian students underscores the need for a balanced approach to managing immigration and safeguarding the interests of both students and the host country.
