Canada limits the number of foreign students to a two-year period

Canada announced on Monday, January 22, the establishment of limits on permits for foreign students, whose numbers have exploded in recent years, adding to the housing crisis the government says.

“To ensure that the number of students does not increase further (Foreigners) In Canada in 2024, we are setting a national cap on applications for a two-year period.”, Immigration Minister, Mark Miller announced. In 2024, Canada therefore plans to issue 364,000 international study permits, a decrease of 35% compared to 2023.

The ceiling will only apply to new permit applications and will not affect foreign students already enrolled in Canadian universities, Justin Trudeau’s government has assured, working with the provinces, which are responsible for the education system, to implement the ceiling.

Pressure on housing

“Today’s announcement aims to protect a system that has opened the door to abuse and support unsustainable population growth in Canada”, Mark Miller continued. An official estimate suggests that there are over one million foreign students established in Canada. the rise “quick” their number “Puts pressure on housing, health care and other services” In some provinces, the minister explained, expressing his condolences without naming them “A Little Variety” Countries from which students come.

The cap is also intended to prevent certain private schools from taking advantage of the system. “Private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses and charging high tuition fees, while dramatically increasing the number of international students they accept”Mark Miller declared.

With the new system, Ontario and British Columbia – which have several universities in Toronto and Vancouver – are expected to welcome fewer international students, unlike Quebec, Alberta and Saskatchewan. Canada, whose population passed the 40 million mark in June, is facing a major housing crisis that is affecting all regions of the country.