Canada implements major reduction in foreign student visas amid housing crisis

Canada has announced a substantial reduction in the issuance of international student permits, aimed at addressing the housing crisis and resource distribution challenges.

According to the Canadian government press release, with the number of international students reaching approximately 360,000, the government seeks to stabilize overall growth while maintaining the integrity of the education system and basic services.

International students play a critical role in improving Canada’s social, cultural and economic landscape. However, concerns have arisen that universities are aggressively increasing admissions to boost income, resulting in students entering the country without adequate resources. This influx has strained housing, health care and other services.

To address these issues, March Miller, the Minister for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, unveiled the introduction of a two-year cap on applications for international student permits.

The cap is expected to result in a 35% reduction, issuing about 360,000 permits in 2024. Provinces with unsustainable increases in their foreign student population would face larger reductions under an equity-based, population-based cap.

Specifically, the cap excludes study permit renewals and does not affect those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, along with primary and secondary school students.

Current research license holders remain unaffected. The government plans to reassess the number of new study permit applications approved in 2025 after the two-year temporary measure ends, stressing the need for sustainable population growth and protecting international students from potential challenges.