Ottawa – The Justin Trudeau government in Canada has raised concerns about the increasing number of foreign students in the country.
Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has described the growing trend of international students seeking asylum after arriving on student visas as alarming.
This statement comes just ahead of the country’s general elections, where housing shortages and employment crises have become significant issues.
During a recent program, Miller stated, “Many international students come to Canada on student visas, but after completing their studies, they apply for asylum.
This trend is concerning as it puts pressure on our immigration system.” He emphasized that the misuse of Canada’s student visa system is under serious scrutiny by his ministry.
Miller also called on Canadian educational institutions to implement reforms to curb the misuse of student visas for permanent settlement.
New Measures to Reduce International Student Numbers
The Canadian government has set a target to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students, from 6.2% to 5% over the next three years.
Earlier this year, the government announced a two-year limit on international student admissions, under which only 364,000 study permits will be issued in 2024. This represents a 35% reduction compared to the 560,000 permits issued in 2023.
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The Immigration Minister further clarified that the number of study permits will decrease by an additional 10% in 2025.
These steps are being taken to address Canada’s housing shortages and employment crises, which have been partially attributed to the influx of international students and migrants.
Among international students, the majority come from India, China, the Philippines, and Nigeria.
While these students play a significant role in Canada’s education system, the new regulations aim to place stricter controls on their ability to remain in the country long-term.
