Canada’s 2-Year Visa Cap: Implications for Indian Students

Canada has recently introduced a new policy that limits the number of international student visas to be issued over the next two years. The cap is aimed at addressing the housing crisis and targeting problematic institutions that exploit international students. However, the policy could also have negative consequences for Indian students who see Canada as a preferred destination for higher education.

Why did Canada impose the cap?

According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, the cap is necessary to maintain a sustainable level of temporary residence in Canada and to ensure that future students receive the quality of education that they signed up for. He said that some private institutions have taken advantage of international students by operating under-resourced campuses, lacking supports for students and charging high tuition fees, while significantly increasing their intake of international students .

Miller also said that the cap will help address the housing concerns raised by some provinces, where the influx of international students has contributed to the shortage and affordability of rental units. He said that the cap will result in “much more significant decreases in provinces where the international student population has seen the most unsustainable growth” .

How does the cap work?

The cap will be effective for two years, with a reassessment planned for 2025. For 2024, the federal government says it will approve 360,000 undergraduate study permits, with the aim of reducing the number by 35% from 2023. Each province and territory will be allotted a portion of the total, with permits distributed by population. The provinces and territories will be left to decide how permits are distributed across universities and colleges in their jurisdiction .

In addition to the cap, the federal government will also require international students applying for a permit to provide an attestation letter from a province or territory. Starting in September, international students who begin a program that is part of a curriculum licensing arrangement — where a private college has been licensed to deliver the curriculum of an associated public college — will no longer be eligible for a post-graduation work permit. Graduates of master’s and other “short graduate-level programs” will “soon” be able to apply for a three-year work permit .

How will this affect Indian students?

The cap could have a significant impact on Indian students who want to study in Canada. India was the first among the top ten origin countries of study permit holders in 2022 in Canada, with a total of 319,000 students . The cap could reduce their chances of getting a visa, especially if they apply to private colleges or short-term programs. It could also affect their ability to work in Canada after graduation, which is one of the main attractions of studying in Canada.

However, Miller said that the cap is not against individual international students and that Canada remains committed to welcoming them as valuable contributors to its economy and society. He said that Canada will continue to offer pathways to permanent residency for eligible international graduates and that it will invest in improving student supports and services .

Therefore, Indian students who want to study in Canada should carefully research their options and choose reputable institutions that offer quality education and post-graduation opportunities. They should also be prepared for possible delays or rejections in their visa applications and plan accordingly.