In a bold move, Canada has issued a warning to cap the number of foreign student visas if the quality of education and housing for newcomers does not improve. Marc Miller, the country’s immigration minister, stated, “We are prepared to take necessary measures, including significantly limiting visas, to ensure that designated learning institutions provide adequate and sufficient student support.”
The number of foreign students in Canada has surged, almost tripling in the past decade, reaching over 800,000 last year. International students, facing soaring housing costs, pay about five times more in tuition fees than Canadian students. On average, international students pay C$36,123 for undergraduate programs, compared to C$6,834 for Canadian undergraduates.
Miller emphasized that institutions and the provinces and territories regulating them have until September to ensure that international students are “set up for success.”
While Canada has not yet imposed a cap on foreign student visas, it has announced a crackdown on private colleges. The government is prioritizing the issuance of permits for students attending institutions that provide top-quality services and support, including housing.
Additionally, the financial requirement for new study permit applicants will increase. Starting January 1, single applicants will need to show they have C$20,635, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs. The policy allowing foreign students to work more than 20 hours a week during class sessions will be extended until April 30.
