🇨🇦 🧑🏽‍🎓 Are Caps On International Study Permits Enough?

Are Caps On International Study Permits Enough?

Earlier this year, the immigration department instituted a temporary, two-year cap on the number of international students entering the country. This decision came with the aim of directing focus on the integrity of the immigration system, which Ottawa believes has been eroded by education institutions significantly increasing their student intakes to boost revenues, with more students arriving in Canada without adequate accountability. For 2024, the cap is approximately 360,000 new study permit approvals, which is a 35% decrease from last year. However, this policy change has stirred concerns from industry stake holders and provincial governments concerned about future revenue streams generated from international students to Canada.

🔄 A Strategic Shift
Capping study permit applications is a blunt measure that will not completely remove bad actors from preying on international students, says Larissa Bezo, president and CEO of the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE). According to her, this is a strategic shift rather than a permanent solution, and more sustainable alternatives need to be considered to achieve success in the long term.

🚫 Unintended Consequences
CBIE expresses worries about unintended consequences resulting from the cap, fearing damage to Canada’s reputation in the international education sphere. It warns the cap may discourage prospective students from applying here (which in part, is the aim of these policy changes) and cause “irreparable” damage to Canadian education’s global image.

🎓 Fairness and Allocation
The cap aims for fairness by allocating spaces based on provincial populations. However, it may lead to unintended impacts across provinces, affecting student populations differently based on their province of study.  

🌟 Optimism Amidst Challenges
Despite the hurdles, Bezo remains optimistic. She believes Canada will emerge stronger, maintaining its openness to international students. This message of reassurance is crucial amid uncertainty.

🛂 Exemptions Offer Relief
Five groups, including renewing students and family members of temporary residents, are exempt from the cap. This exemption provides relief to those already invested in a Canadian education.

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In today's episode of “My Great Canada”, we dive into two controversial topics reshaping Canada's landscape. First, the legal battle between McGill University and Quebec over tuition fees for out-of-province and international students, challenging fundamental values of fairness and accessibility in education. Then, we explore the Canadian government's decision to re-impose visa requirements for Mexican nationals, highlighting the complex interplay of border security, diplomacy, and immigration policies. Tune in for a deeper understanding of these pivotal issues shaping Canada's future.

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