In a recent statement, Immigration of Canada, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller cautioned international students that obtaining study permits does not guarantee permanent resident (PR) status or citizenship. Speaking to Bloomberg, Miller emphasized that the primary purpose of study visas is for education, urging students to consider returning to their home countries after completion to apply their skills locally.
Miller acknowledged recent trends where study permits were increasingly viewed as a pathway to PR, but highlighted a shift in policy to align immigration with Canada’s labour needs. “The logic for uncapped draws from abroad is no longer justified,” he stated, alluding to adjustments in immigration policies aimed at balancing economic priorities with immigration objectives.
Critics, including Toronto-based immigration lawyer Ravi Jain, challenged the government’s stance, calling for an end to promotional efforts suggesting study as a route to PR through programs like Express Entry. Jain also advocated for stricter regulation of immigration advice in Canada to ensure accurate guidance for prospective students.
The Naujawan Support Network, advocating for international students’ rights, criticized the government’s policies, warning of potential mass deportations affecting up to 70,000 students. They cited severe restrictions and unpredictability in PR pathways as contributing to anxiety and unrest among student communities, particularly from India.
Amidst these discussions, statistics from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada revealed a notable decline in projected study permits for 2024 compared to previous years. Despite this, the number of study permits issued to Indian students has shown steady growth, maintaining a significant portion of Canada’s international student demographic.