Universities Canada has reported a significant decline in international student enrolment due to a recent cap on student visas. The cap, introduced in January by Immigration Minister Marc Miller, aimed to reduce international student intake by 35% over the next two years to address concerns over housing, healthcare, and other services strained by the increasing number of foreign students.
Gabriel Miller, President of Universities Canada, expressed concerns over the potential long-term impact, stating that there could be a 45% drop in enrolment once universities finalize their numbers in October. He warned that the situation could be worse than anticipated and urged the Canadian government to take immediate action.
The cap specifically targets provinces with the highest growth in student numbers, and the government has revised its initial estimate of approved study permits from 364,000 to around 292,000 for 2024. The immigration minister’s office acknowledged the reduction in approvals but noted that the busiest period for study permit processing—August and September—has yet to be fully analyzed. Final data for the fall and winter seasons of 2024 will provide a clearer picture of the policy’s impact.
Universities Canada is concerned that the enrolment cap will affect the country’s ability to attract and retain international talent, which is vital for enhancing educational quality and supporting the Canadian economy.
