One of the most notable aspects of these reforms is the introduction of an intake cap on study permit applications. This decision is designed to stabilize the surge in student arrivals, especially from countries like India, where demand for Canadian education has grown exponentially over the past decade. The government is also rolling out a letter of acceptance verification system to combat rising instances of fraudulent admissions, particularly among private colleges that have been implicated in malpractices.
Under the new rules, international students will now need to meet more stringent financial requirements before being granted a study permit. This policy shift, aimed at ensuring students are adequately prepared for the cost of living in Canada, could affect students from developing countries who often face financial barriers. Applicants will need to demonstrate the ability to cover both their tuition fees and living expenses more rigorously than before. Additionally, the rules around work permits for spouses of international students have been tightened, restricting eligibility to certain advanced degree programs, further curbing the influx of migrants linked to student pathways.
Canada’s post-graduation work permit (PGWP) program, a crucial pathway to permanent residency for many international students, is also being restructured. The government is phasing out eligibility for graduates of college programs that operate under public-private partnerships, which had become popular in provinces like Ontario. Many Indian students, who often enroll in such programs, could be disproportionately affected by this change. The intent behind the reform is to ensure that educational institutions meet higher standards and that graduates are better equipped for the Canadian job market.
Beyond the immediate impact on students, the new restrictions aim to reduce pressure on Canada's housing market, which has faced severe shortages, particularly in cities that host a large number of international students such as Toronto and Vancouver. The housing crisis, exacerbated by the rising number of foreign students, has led to calls for a reassessment of Canada’s immigration policies. In response, the government has underscored the importance of aligning immigration targets with local capacity, especially concerning housing and public services.
While these reforms are framed as necessary to preserve the integrity of Canada’s migration pathways, they come at a time when the country is simultaneously trying to meet labor market demands. International students, who often transition into permanent residents, form a significant portion of Canada's skilled workforce. With industries like healthcare, technology, and engineering facing labor shortages, the tightening of rules could present challenges in filling these gaps.
Indian students, who represent the largest group of international students in Canada, are likely to feel the brunt of these changes. The financial requirements, coupled with the reforms to work permits and program eligibility, could deter a significant number of applicants. Education agents and institutions have voiced concerns about the possible dip in enrollment figures from India and other affected regions. However, Canadian authorities have maintained that these steps are crucial for maintaining sustainable immigration and ensuring that communities can support the incoming population.