Canada plans to cut foreign student visas
Canada plans to cut foreign student visas
The Canadian government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, is set to implement new immigration restrictions beginning next year.
According to The Economic Times, these measures will reduce the intake of international students and impose stricter rules on foreign workers.
During a press briefing in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced that Canada will slash international student permits by 10% for 2025 compared to current levels, continuing this reduction through 2026. This move represents a 36% decrease from the figures reported in 2023.
Universities Canada has noted that the country is already missing this year’s targets due to a drop in applications from foreign students.
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The new regulations are intended to manage the rapid increase in the temporary resident population, which includes international students, temporary workers, and asylum seekers. This surge, which has accelerated since the pandemic, has led to increased criticism of Trudeau’s immigration policies.
Miller emphasized the necessity for a sustainable immigration system, stating, “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to — just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to. Our immigration system must preserve its integrity and be well-managed and sustainable.”
Initially, strong immigration was beneficial for Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and helped buffer the impact of high interest rates on economic growth.
However, the recent population increase—adding about three million people in three years—has strained housing and public services, affecting Trudeau’s popularity. In March, the government aimed to reduce the proportion of temporary residents to 5% within three years, down from 6.2% at that time. This proportion has now risen to approximately 6.8%.
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