By Nandika Handa
Ever since the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship- Honourable Marc Miller, announced that the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years there has been a sense of despair amongst international students applying to Canada.
In India, there has been a sentiment of disappointment, some have also felt outrage as it came close to the time when tensions arose between the two governments.
The dreams of many planning to seek a higher education in Canada seemed shattered. There have been many students who were planning to join members of their families already in Canada and consequently had to put their plans on hold. Many perceived this as a permanent stop to seeking higher education in Canada.
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It’s important to understand what the modification was, why it took place and what the real repercussions are. Are the repercussions only for Indian students or for all international students?
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As it stands, the cap will result in issuance of about 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, this figure would result in a sharp decline of about 35% as compared to 2023.
(Individual provincial and territorial caps have also been enforced. These are weighted by population and will result in many more decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth.)
Interestingly, the cap is for all international students and contrary to what some may have thought is not only for Indian students. However, Indian students have experienced a high rate of visa rejections this year. In addition, they also form one of the largest student bodies in the country.
The cap has also left most people befuddled and questioning “Why would a country that has a rich tradition of welcoming international students have to take this step?”
The answer lies deeply in the housing crisis that has arisen in Canada. It has caused a dearth of accommodation for all students. International students being particularly vulnerable have had to bear the brunt of this in several ways. This, coupled with other reasons is why the government has cited that the cap will extend for two years. Many see it as a measure to thus protect susceptible international students.
There is a silver lining to this seemingly dark cloud that has arisen- Study permit renewals will not be included in the cap. Some students currently studying there have also felt unsure and ask if there is a chance that their legal status will be affected. However, they should rest assured as statements released by IRCC clearly state – current study permit holders will not be affected. This means, they can breathe a sigh of relief.
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Additionally, those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are also not included in the cap. An additional ray of hope is that as per IRCC – Graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.
All put together, this is seen as a more favourable time for those applying to postgraduate studies in Canada – And for those applying to undergraduate studies in the coming years it is important to remember that the cap has presently been announced for two years and the answer to what might seem as a presently “limiting situation” is dependent on many factors such as the resolution of the housing crises that has arisen within Canada.
International students contributed an astounding approximate of 36 billion CAD to the economy in 2022 and are projected to contribute an approximate CAD 42 billion in 2024.
The very pertinent question that arises out of the above figures is – what would be the consequences of a decline in the number of international students, and will the situation escalate further?
Furthermore, do international students find room for hope considering that they are the one of the largest contributors to the Canadian economy and comprise a valuable talent pool?
Whilst the wait may seem long the answers are not written in stone and presently the cap is to be seen as a temporary “Two-year cap” as announced by Canadian authorities.
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However, the question that looms large in the minds of many aspiring students is “O Canada!” Just a dream in their future? Whilst they are left patiently waiting for an answer.
The author is an independent writer. She specializes in immigration, global education, and globalization. She is a Global College Placement Counsellor and has previously led an investment immigration firm. She is based between Bengaluru and Toronto.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
Ever since the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship- Honourable Marc Miller, announced that the Government of Canada will set an intake cap on international student permit applications to stabilize new growth for a period of two years there has been a sense of despair amongst international students applying to Canada.
In India, there has been a sentiment of disappointment, some have also felt outrage as it came close to the time when tensions arose between the two governments.
The dreams of many planning to seek a higher education in Canada seemed shattered. There have been many students who were planning to join members of their families already in Canada and consequently had to put their plans on hold. Many perceived this as a permanent stop to seeking higher education in Canada.
It’s important to understand what the modification was, why it took place and what the real repercussions are. Are the repercussions only for Indian students or for all international students?
As it stands, the cap will result in issuance of about 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, this figure would result in a sharp decline of about 35% as compared to 2023.
(Individual provincial and territorial caps have also been enforced. These are weighted by population and will result in many more decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth.)
Interestingly, the cap is for all international students and contrary to what some may have thought is not only for Indian students. However, Indian students have experienced a high rate of visa rejections this year. In addition, they also form one of the largest student bodies in the country.
The cap has also left most people befuddled and questioning “Why would a country that has a rich tradition of welcoming international students have to take this step?”
The answer lies deeply in the housing crisis that has arisen in Canada. It has caused a dearth of accommodation for all students. International students being particularly vulnerable have had to bear the brunt of this in several ways. This, coupled with other reasons is why the government has cited that the cap will extend for two years. Many see it as a measure to thus protect susceptible international students.
There is a silver lining to this seemingly dark cloud that has arisen- Study permit renewals will not be included in the cap. Some students currently studying there have also felt unsure and ask if there is a chance that their legal status will be affected. However, they should rest assured as statements released by IRCC clearly state – current study permit holders will not be affected. This means, they can breathe a sigh of relief.
Additionally, those pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees, and elementary and secondary education are also not included in the cap. An additional ray of hope is that as per IRCC – Graduates of master’s degree programs will soon be eligible to apply for a 3-year work permit.
All put together, this is seen as a more favourable time for those applying to postgraduate studies in Canada – And for those applying to undergraduate studies in the coming years it is important to remember that the cap has presently been announced for two years and the answer to what might seem as a presently “limiting situation” is dependent on many factors such as the resolution of the housing crises that has arisen within Canada.
International students contributed an astounding approximate of 36 billion CAD to the economy in 2022 and are projected to contribute an approximate CAD 42 billion in 2024.
The very pertinent question that arises out of the above figures is – what would be the consequences of a decline in the number of international students, and will the situation escalate further?
Furthermore, do international students find room for hope considering that they are the one of the largest contributors to the Canadian economy and comprise a valuable talent pool?
Whilst the wait may seem long the answers are not written in stone and presently the cap is to be seen as a temporary “Two-year cap” as announced by Canadian authorities.
However, the question that looms large in the minds of many aspiring students is “O Canada!” Just a dream in their future? Whilst they are left patiently waiting for an answer.
The author is an independent writer. She specializes in immigration, global education, and globalization. She is a Global College Placement Counsellor and has previously led an investment immigration firm. She is based between Bengaluru and Toronto.
Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of Financial Express Online. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.
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