Canada is exploring the option of imposing a limit on the number of international students to address the surging demand for housing and rectify a system that has become unmanageable, according to Immigration Minister Marc Miller. This move is anticipated to impact Indian students significantly.
Miller’s comments on Sunday come amid criticism of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s federal government for welcoming a growing number of immigrants, both permanent and temporary residents, at a time when the country is grappling with a severe housing shortage.
In an interview with CTV News, Miller emphasized the need for discussions between the federal government and provincial counterparts to ensure that provinces struggling to manage their responsibilities take steps to control the sheer volume of international students.
“The volume is disconcerting,” Miller remarked, referring to the escalating number of international students in Canada. He described the current system as one that has spiraled out of control. However, he acknowledged that placing a cap on international students wouldn’t be a universal solution to housing shortages across the country.
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Although Miller did not specify the extent of the reduction the government is considering, he highlighted that a cap would not be a one-size-fits-all solution. In 2022, India led the list of top ten origin countries for study permit holders in Canada, with a total of 319,000 students.
Recent reports from The Canadian Press, citing internal documents obtained through an access to information request, revealed that public servants warned the federal government two years ago that ambitious immigration targets could jeopardize housing affordability.
The Liberals have set targets to welcome 485,000 immigrants in the current year and aim for 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. The influx of over 300,000 temporary residents, including international students and migrant workers, in the third quarter of the previous year is a significant factor in the equation.
Miller indicated that he will be examining the possibility of implementing a cap on international students in the first and second quarters of this year to alleviate housing demand. When questioned about the timing of this consideration, Miller emphasized the need to analyze federal-level data before delving into the specifics of individual academic institutions in different provinces.
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He stressed the importance of ensuring a robust system that verifies offer letters and guarantees the financial capability of individuals coming to Canada. Miller acknowledged that a cap on international students is under consideration, with ongoing discussions at the negotiating table with provincial colleagues.
While Miller did not provide specific details, he noted that a cap on international students is a topic the federal government will continue to explore, taking into account both housing concerns and the broader imperative of reducing the average age of the workforce.
