Canada imposes 2-year limit on international student visas

Canada imposes 2-year limit on international student visas

In an effort to address a housing crisis and target problematic institutions, Canada has recently announced a two-year cap on new international student visas. This development is likely to impact Indian students who had plans to study in the country.

According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the cap will lead to a 35% reduction in new study visas in 2024. It is anticipated that approximately 364,000 permits will be approved in 2024, compared to the nearly 560,000 study visas issued last year.The cap will be in effect for two years, and the number of permits to be issued in 2025 will be reassessed towards the end of this year, as stated by Miller.

The decision to impose this cap comes as a result of pressure on the federal government from provinces, who have raised concerns about the increasing number of non-permanent residents entering Canada amid the ongoing housing crisis, as reported by CBC News.It is important to note that Miller has previously acknowledged that a cap on international students alone would not serve as a comprehensive solution to the housing shortages experienced across the country.