Canada Tightens Restrictions On Foreign Students - How Will It Impact Indians?
Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday that the government would cut its international student permits by 35% this year. He further mentioned that they are planning to cut it by another 10% next year. Canada's latest immigration policy for international students and workers marks a significant step towards reducing temporary residents in the country.
Trudeau remarked, "Nation will crack down on bad actors who abuse the system to gain advantage over the students." His decision comes amid a rise in temporary residents in Canada like foreign students and workers. According to reports, the government now plans to grant 437,000 study permits in 2025.
We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10%.
Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 18, 2024
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Numbers May Come down To 4 Lakh In 2025
Immigration Data reports revealed that Canada issued over 5 lakh study permits in 2023. However, after the implementation of the new rule, it is expected to come down by over 4 lakh in 2025.
The 35% cut was foreseen after the Canadian Government announced a two-year cap on foreign students in January.
Foreign Minister Of Canada On The New Rule
While speaking to the media, Foreign Minister of Canada, Marc Miller stated that coming to the country was not a right but a privilege. He further commented, "Not everybody who wants to move to Canada will be able to do it."
The Foreign Minister added that they are taking strong action to strengthen temporary residence and planning a comprehensive immigration policy.
Impact On Indians
Canada's move to introduce a new immigration policy will leave Indian students with an option to apply for courses elsewhere - the UK, USA, Russia, etc. These changes may have huge effects on young students as Canada tries to get along with the benefits of immigration. The other changes include restricting work permit access to spouses of some students and temporary foreign workers.
