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Canada faces 45% drop in International student enrollment after visa cap

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Canada faces a sharp drop in international student enrollment, with projections showing a 45% decline following a new cap on student visas.

 

Universities Canada has raised concerns over a significant drop in international student enrollment following the government’s cap on student visas.

Introduced in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the cap aims to reduce international student intake by 35% over the next two years, addressing pressure on housing, healthcare, and other services.

However, Gabriel Miller, President of Universities Canada, has warned of a potentially worse outcome. He told Global News that early projections show a dramatic 45% decline in international student admissions once universities finalize their numbers in October.

Miller described the situation as “uncharted territory” and urged Ottawa to act immediately to prevent long-term damage to Canada’s higher education sector. International students, he stressed, are vital for enhancing education and contributing financially to both institutions and the wider economy.

The government originally estimated 364,000 study permits would be approved in 2024 but has since revised the figure down to 292,000. The cap primarily affects provinces experiencing the highest growth in international student numbers.

Despite concerns, the immigration minister’s office has stated that the busiest period for study permit processing—August and September—has not yet been fully analyzed, and a clearer picture will emerge once fall and winter 2024 enrollment figures are finalized.

Universities Canada is worried about the cap’s long-term impact on competitiveness, as fewer international students could hurt Canada’s ability to attract and retain talent.


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