Reduction in International Student Visas
The Liberal government has announced plans to reduce the number of international student visas by an additional 10 percent. This decision will lower the target for 2025 and 2026 to 437,000 permits, down from the 485,000 permits set for 2024. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated on Wednesday that this adjustment is expected to result in approximately 300,000 fewer study permits over the next three years.
Consequences for Ontario Colleges
Colleges Ontario has warned that program cuts are inevitable due to this reduction. The organization emphasized that international students looking forward to a world-class education will face significant challenges. Additionally, domestic students may find their programs at risk as institutions adjust to these new regulations.
Limitations on Spousal Work Permits
The government is also introducing new restrictions on work permits for spouses of international students and foreign workers. To qualify, the spouse must be in a master’s program lasting at least 16 months or employed in management or professional roles within sectors experiencing labor shortages.
Economic and Housing Market Concerns
Minister Miller highlighted that with certain labor markets tightening, adjustments were necessary. In January, the Liberal government had already implemented a temporary cap to reduce new student visas by over one-third this year. Experts had raised concerns about population growth affecting an already-strained housing market.
Institutional Adjustments and Future Outlook
Miller acknowledged that universities and colleges have experienced a turbulent year and urged them to adapt their recruitment practices accordingly. Gabriel Miller, president of Universities Canada, remarked that Wednesday’s announcement brought clarity after months of uncertainty, though he criticized the government’s piecemeal approach.
Graduate Students Affected by Government’s Cap Decision
The inclusion of previously exempt graduate students in the government’s cap, according to experts, reflects Canada’s uncertain stance on aggressively recruiting top-tier talent for studies and work. Marketa Evans, President of Colleges Ontario, expressed her deep concerns, suggesting the announcement favors universities over colleges.
Evans highlighted that the federal restrictions could lead to a $1.7 billion revenue loss for Ontario’s colleges over the next two years. “Our public college system in Ontario cannot endure such cuts,” Evans stated. “With falling numbers of international students and ensuing financial constraints, colleges might be forced to reduce or cancel programs, depriving domestic students of critical educational opportunities essential to addressing labor shortages.”
Rahul Jayan, an international student from India, shared his apprehensions about the new policy’s impact on future students from his homeland. “It will be incredibly challenging for those aspiring to come here,” Jayan said during an interview at a Toronto college campus. He noted that many in India would directly feel the repercussions of this decision.
