Canada has imposed a two-year ban on the entry of international students, citing the escalating pressure on the housing and healthcare systems. The Canadian government aims to address the strain caused by the increasing influx of foreign students.
According to reputable news agencies, this restriction is expected to result in a reduction of over 35% in the processing of education permits and related visas. In 2022, Canada witnessed a staggering rise in international student numbers, reaching 814,000, an increase of 214,000 compared to the previous year.
Minister of Immigration in Canada, Mark Miller, revealed plans to issue study permits to 360,000 international students in the coming year. This policy will be uniformly adopted across all provinces, requiring each to play a role in preventing the entry of foreign students in accordance with the imposed restrictions.
The ban specifically targets external students enrolled in diploma and undergraduate programs, excluding those seeking renewal of study permits. Moreover, students completing their education will not be eligible for work permits in private or public industrial and commercial institutions.
Miller emphasized that while some educational institutions have exploited the government’s leniency, admitting a disproportionate number of international students, the consequences extend beyond educational concerns. Public health issues have arisen as a result, with the cost of residential units in Canada skyrocketing to a staggering $500,000, witnessing a 22% increase in rental rates.