Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ India has secured the top spot among the leading countries of origin for study permit holders in Canada in 2022, boasting an impressive 319,000 students. However, the surge in international student numbers has prompted Canada to contemplate imposing a cap to address escalating housing demands and a faltering system, according to statements by Immigration Minister Marc Miller. This potential move is likely to impact Indian students significantly.
Miller’s remarks, delivered on Sunday, coincide with the Trudeau administration facing criticism for a notable influx of immigrants—both permanent and temporary residents—at a time when the nation grapples with a severe housing shortage. Speaking with CTV News, Miller emphasized the necessity of engaging with provincial governments to rein in the surge in international students, describing the current volume as “disconcerting” and characterizing the system as having spiraled out of control.
While Miller did not disclose the scale of the proposed reduction, he clarified that imposing a cap would not be a universal remedy for housing shortages nationwide. Acknowledging the need for a nuanced approach, he indicated that discussions about the reduction would be conducted with provinces.
India’s prominence as the primary origin country for study permit holders underscores the potential impact of such measures on Indian students. The Trudeau government, underlining ambitious immigration targets, aims to welcome 485,000 immigrants this year, with plans to increase the intake to 500,000 in both 2025 and 2026. A recent report from The Canadian Press, citing internal documents, revealed that public servants had warned two years ago about the impact of these targets on housing affordability.
Miller acknowledged that a potential cap on international students is being considered to alleviate housing demand, with a focus on reviewing numbers in the first and second quarters of this year. He emphasized the need to ensure financial capability and proper verification of offer letters for those coming to Canada. Responding to inquiries about the delay in considering a cap, Miller explained the necessity to address federal-level data before scrutinizing individual institutions and their potential financial gains from increased international student enrollment.
While the federal government contemplates a cap, Miller stressed that housing is only one facet of the immigration target equation, emphasizing the imperative to lower the average age of the workforce. Despite not divulging specifics, he assured that discussions about the reduction would be conducted with provinces, taking into account the financial needs of academic institutions.
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