Canada has announced a significant reduction in the number of study permits it will issue to international students as part of its strategy to manage the growing number of temporary residents in the country. This move is expected to have a considerable impact on Indian students, who form a substantial portion of the international student population in Canada.
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canada will grant 35% fewer international student permits this year, with an additional 10% reduction planned for the following year. This change aims to curb the increasing number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers.
According to data from the immigration department, Canada approved 509,390 study permits in 2023 and 175,920 in the first seven months of 2024. The new restrictions will reduce the number of study permits issued to 437,000 in 2025. Additionally, eligibility for work permits for spouses of some students and temporary foreign workers will be restricted.
Trudeau stated, “Immigration is an advantage for our economy – but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.” The announcement comes as Trudeau’s Liberal government seeks to address rising public concerns and reduce the number of temporary residents amid declining approval ratings ahead of the federal elections next year.
Canada had already placed a two-year cap on international students in January. Statistics Canada reports a dramatic increase in the number of temporary residents, including students and workers, which has doubled from 1.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 to 2.8 million in the second quarter of 2024.
The Canadian government has pledged to reduce the number of temporary residents to 5% of the total population, down from 6.8% in April.
Canada remains a top destination for Indian students. According to data from the Indian government, approximately 4.27 lakh Indian students are currently studying in Canada out of the 13.35 lakh Indian students studying abroad. The number of Indian students moving to Canada has surged by 260% between 2013 and 2022. Notably, about 40% of overseas students in Canada are from India, according to a Reuters report earlier this year.
The new restrictions are expected to significantly affect prospective and current Indian students aiming to study in Canada, potentially altering their educational and career plans.
The tightening of study permit regulations underscores Canada’s ongoing efforts to manage immigration and address associated challenges such as housing affordability and living costs. As the policies come into effect, Indian students and their families will need to navigate the implications of these changes while exploring alternative options for higher education abroad.
Sources By Agencies
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