Canada has implemented a new policy to limit international student admissions, citing concerns about the impact on housing, healthcare, and education. Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced the cap, intending to approve approximately 3,60,000 undergraduate study permits by 2023, resulting in a 35% decrease in approved study permits. This corresponds to 360,000 approved study permits, in contrast to around 900,000 in 2023.
Photo Credit: National Post
As India is the largest group of international students in Canada, accounting for more than 41% of permits in 2022, this move directly impacts Indian students' aspirations and journeys.
In 2023, over 3,000,000 Indian students visited Canada. The cap is expected to cause a paradigm shift in permit allocation, affecting provinces and territories based on population distribution, resulting in more significant decreases where international student growth has been unsustainable.
Open Work Permits for Student Spouses
According to the National Post, Miller stated that the government will also bar students in schools that follow a private-public model from accessing postgraduate work permits as of Sept. 1.
In a few weeks, open work permits will only be available to spouses of students enrolled in master's and doctoral programmes, as well as professional programmes like medicine and law. Miller says the federal government will collaborate with provinces, which have so far not moved as quickly to address the issue.
"Ahead of the September 2024 semester," stated Mr Miller, "we are prepared to take necessary measures, including limiting visas, to ensure designated learning institutions provide adequate and sufficient student support as part of the academic experience." as quoted in the report by NDTV.
Furthermore, this cap on international student numbers is a temporary policy for only two years. It will not affect current study permit holders. Additionally, It also exempts students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees.
(Inputs from agencies)
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