Canada Tightens Restrictions on International Students, Affecting Indian Aspirants

Canada has announced plans to further reduce the number of study permits issued to foreign students as part of an effort to decrease the overall number of temporary residents in the country. This decision is likely to impact many Indian students.

“We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year, with a further 10% reduction expected next year,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated on X. He emphasized, “Immigration benefits our economy, but when individuals abuse the system and exploit students, we will take action.”

Data from the immigration department indicates that Canada approved 509,390 study permits in 2023 and 175,920 in the first seven months of 2024. Under the new policy, the number of international study permits is projected to drop to 437,000 by 2025. The changes will also restrict work permit eligibility for spouses of certain students and temporary foreign workers.

This announcement comes as Trudeau’s Liberal government seeks to address public concerns ahead of next year’s federal elections, amid declining popularity in opinion polls. Earlier this year, Canada also imposed a two-year cap on international students.

Statistics Canada reports that the rise in immigration numbers is primarily due to temporary residents, particularly students and workers, whose numbers have doubled from 1.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 to 2.8 million in the second quarter of 2024. The government aims to reduce temporary residents to 5% of the total population, down from 6.8% in April.

Migrants have faced criticism for contributing to issues such as a lack of affordable housing and rising living costs in Canada.

Impact on Indian Students

Canada remains a top destination for Indian students. According to recent data from the Indian government, approximately 1.335 million Indian students are studying abroad, with around 427,000 in Canada. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Indian students migrating to Canada increased by 260%. Reports suggest that about 40% of international students in Canada come from India.

With the Canadian government’s decision to cut international student permits, many Indian students may now consider alternatives such as the US, UK, or Australia.