Janice R. Andrews
[Date] in Ottawa:
During a press conference earlier today in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced a two-year cap on admissions for international students, marking a significant departure in policy. This action is intended to remedy the minister’s perception of an exploitative system in which high tuition costs for international students frequently lead to inadequate education.
The newly announced cap will result in a 35% total reduction in new study visas for the current year. Some provinces—Ontario, for example—will see reductions that are even more significant, approaching 50%.
Minister Miller emphasised that postgraduate work permits will not be granted to students attending universities that follow the private-public model after September 1. It is anticipated that this choice will significantly affect international students’ post-study options.
Furthermore, spouses of students enrolled in professional programmes including law and medicine as well as master’s and doctoral degrees will be the only ones eligible for open work permits in the upcoming weeks. The goal of this focused strategy is to match immigration laws with the pursuit of postsecondary education and professional certifications.
Minister Miller underlined that the federal government is dedicated to working with the provinces to address the alleged problems with the current system. While acknowledging that things may not have happened as quickly as planned, he gave his assurance that this action is a step in the right direction towards establishing a more equitable and balanced environment for both overseas students and the Canadian educational system.
The housing crisis has brought more attention to immigration to Canada in recent times. Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, stated his position, saying, “It’s very simple maths.”
homes costs will rise if there are more immigrant families than there is available homes for them. Poilievre made hints that the Conservative party will impose immigration quotas in order to match housing supply, highlighting the necessity of striking a balance between infrastructure development and population expansion should they win the election.
This announcement comes at a critical time, igniting conversations about how immigration laws, educational opportunities, and Canada’s housing problem connect.
