Canada Announces 35% Cut in International Student Admissions in Response to Housing Crisis

Students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees will be exempt from this cap, reflecting a strategic focus on retaining top-tier talent.

Canada's Immigration Minister Marc Miller has stated that the country will be implementing a 35% reduction in international student admissions for the year 2024. This drastic measure comes in the wake of a burgeoning housing crisis and aims to alleviate pressure on accommodation resources while ensuring a high-quality academic experience for incoming students.

The key highlights of this policy shift include:

Temporary Reduction: The 35% decrease translates to a cap of 360,000 approved study permits for 2024, down from the approximately 900,000 permits issued in 2023.

Exemptions for Advanced Degrees: Students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees will be exempt from this cap, reflecting a strategic focus on retaining top-tier talent.

Provincial Quotas: Provinces will be allocated caps based on their accommodation and housing capacity, with the responsibility of distributing the allotted number of international student admissions among various institutions.

Attestation Requirement: A significant addition to the documentation process is the requirement for an attestation letter from Canadian provinces or territories, confirming their capacity to accommodate proposed students. This requirement came into effect on January 22, 2024, with provinces having until March 31, 2024, to establish the necessary mechanisms.

Changes to Work Permits: Notably, Post-Graduate Work Permits will no longer be available to international students admitted under certain curriculum licensing arrangements. Spousal open work permits will now be exclusive to spouses of master's and doctoral program students.

Cost-of-Living Adjustment: Responding to rising inflation and financial challenges faced by international students, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) doubled the cost-of-living requirement from CAD 10,000 to CAD 20,635.

Future Reassessment: The government plans to review and reassess the cap in 2025, with a particular focus on modifications that won't impact graduate, professional, and doctoral programs significantly.

Impact on Indian Students: With Indians constituting a substantial portion of international students in Canada, these policy changes are expected to have a noteworthy impact on this demographic.

Minister Miller underscored the necessity of these measures to address concerns about certain private institutions taking advantage of international students through under-resourced campuses and high tuition fees. The announcement aligns with the broader context of Canada's housing crisis, with Miller emphasizing the need to reduce the sheer volume of incoming students over a short period.

As Canada navigates these adjustments, the international student community and educational institutions await further insights into the implications of this policy shift. Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and analysis.