By The Canadian government has announced new measures that will impact international students. These changes include a two-year cap on undergraduate student visas, limitations on work permit applications after graduation, and restrictions on bringing spouses to Canada using student visas.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, Canada will issue a reduced number of student visas this year and next, totaling 364,000. This represents a 35% decrease from previous levels. These measures mark the first significant rollback of immigration policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which has emphasized the importance of immigration for economic growth.
In recent years, the number of student-visa holders in Canada has risen significantly. In 2015, there were 352,325 international students with valid visas. Last year, this number skyrocketed to approximately 900,000 students.
Miller highlights the issues faced by many international students who have been charged exorbitant tuition fees by private colleges in Canada. Unfortunately, these institutions have often failed to deliver on their promises, leaving students with degrees that do not adequately prepare them for their chosen professions. Miller cites examples of “sham commerce degrees or business degrees” being obtained from questionable establishments that offer little value to students’ careers.
The objective of these changes is to ensure that the student visa program sustains its integrity and benefits both the students and the country as a whole. By implementing these measures, Canada aims to prevent instances where students end up with degrees that do not meet industry standards, as well as curb potential abuse of the system.
The government’s decision reflects its commitment to maintaining high educational standards and protecting the interests of international students, who play a vital role in contributing to Canada’s economy.
Record Levels of Foreign Students Impact Housing Demand in Canada
The number of foreign students at Canadian universities and vocational colleges reached an all-time high last year, leading to a surge in housing demand. This increase in demand has contributed to rising rents in cities and towns across the country, exacerbating the existing housing challenges faced by local residents.
Government’s Struggle to Address Housing Shortage
Prime Minister Trudeau’s government has been grappling with public discontent, as opinion polls reveal dissatisfaction with its handling of the housing shortage. Critics argue that the government has failed to effectively address the issue, which has driven up home prices in Canada – a country that has the lowest number of dwellings per capita among the Group of Seven nations.
Ambitious Immigration Targets
To meet the growing demand for labor and achieve its socio-economic goals, the Canadian government has set an ambitious immigration target. This year, it aims to grant permanent-residency status to 485,000 immigrants, equivalent to the United States’ green card. Furthermore, the government plans to increase this target to 500,000 by 2025, representing a substantial 25% growth from the numbers seen in 2021.
Impact on Housing Market
The influx of immigrants is a key driver of the surging housing demand in Canada. Despite being one of the highest-priced housing markets globally, Canada continues to attract newcomers. Consequently, both home prices and rental rates have experienced notable increases. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corp., a government-backed mortgage insurer, reported that the country’s vacancy rate for rental units plummeted to 1.9% in 2022 – the lowest level since 2001.
In summary, the record-breaking enrollment of foreign students in Canadian educational institutions has significantly affected the demand for housing. With rising rents and an already strained housing market, addressing these challenges remains a crucial task for the Canadian government going forward.
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