Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a 10% reduction in the intake of international students, set to take effect in 2025. The move will see the number of new international study permits decrease from 485,000 in 2024 to 437,000 in the following year.
In a post on X late Wednesday night, Trudeau explained that the decision was made to safeguard the country’s resources and prevent abuse of the immigration system. “We’re granting 35 percent fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10 percent,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of cracking down on those who exploit the system.
Additionally, the North American country is introducing changes to work permits for spouses of master’s degree students and foreign workers in sectors facing labor shortages. Only programs lasting at least 16 months will now qualify for work permits for spouses.
Canada has long relied on economic immigration to support its social programs, such as healthcare and education. However, with the current low birth rate, the government aims to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country to 5% over the next three years, down from the present 6.2%.
Earlier in the year, Canada implemented a two-year cap on study permits, cutting the intake by 35% in 2024. Despite criticism from universities, Immigration Minister Marc Miller affirmed that the cap will remain in place, noting that it has already had an impact on certain rental markets where students are concentrated.
Universities Canada, however, reported a significant 45% drop in international student enrolment, exceeding the planned 35% reduction, and urged institutions to revise their recruitment strategies to adapt to the changes.
