Canada: Foreign Student Study Permits On The Rise Despite Canadian Immigration Curbs

In 2024, Canada issued more study permits than the previous year, defying the government's intention to reduce temporary residents, including international students. The rise is notable among Indian students, who form a significant portion of the international student population in Canada.

While the Canadian government has declared its intention to limit the number of temporary residents, including international students, the actual figures tell a different story.

Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows an increase in study permits issued in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Impact on Indian Students

The number of Indian students receiving study permits also saw a rise. From January to April 2024, 81,260 Indian students were granted visas, up from 72,750 during the same months in 2023. This group consistently makes up about 43% of all international students in Canada.

In total, Canada issued 682,430 study permits in 2023, with Indian students accounting for 278,335 of them. So far in 2024, out of the 216,620 study permits issued, Indians have received 91,510, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Government Measures and Targets

In January, IRCC announced plans to cap the number of applications accepted for study permits. This measure aims to reduce the number by approximately 35% this year compared to last year. "For 2024, the cap is expected to result in approximately 360,000 approved study permits," IRCC stated.

On March 21st, Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed a target to decrease temporary residents by five percent over three years. Whether this will be achieved remains uncertain as numbers for May showed a slight decline from last year, as reported by Hindustan Times.

Shelter Affordability Crisis

The government's announcements are largely driven by rising shelter costs. The affordability crisis has negatively impacted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's popularity. High housing prices and rental costs have prompted these measures to control temporary resident numbers.

Despite these efforts, data indicates that between January and April this year, more international students received study permits than during the same period last year, as reported by Hindustan Times. The total increased from 165,805 in early 2023 to 187,510 in early 2024.

In May alone, there was a slight reduction in study permits issued compared to last year. The total fell from 34,400 in May 2023 to 30,490 this year. For Indian students specifically, numbers dropped from 13,055 to 10,560 during that month.

The Canadian flag continues to fly high on Parliament Hill in Ottawa as these changes unfold. The government’s measures aim at balancing immigration while addressing domestic challenges like housing affordability, as reported by Hindustan Times.

The future impact of these policies on international student numbers remains uncertain as new data emerges throughout the year. The government’s approach will likely continue evolving based on economic and social factors affecting both residents and newcomers.